8

MATHEMATICS
FIRST QUARTER – MODULE 18
Solving Problems Involving
Systems of Linear Equations in Two
Variables

Laboratory High School |

 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master how to solve problems involving systems of linear equations in two variables.
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which
you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
In this module, you will be able to:
solve problems involving systems of linear equations in two variables by
(a) graphing; (b) substitution; and (c) elimination.

Specifically, you are expected to:

1. find the solutions of systems of linear equations in two variables by (a)
graphing, (b) substitution, and (c) elimination; and
2. solves real-life problems involving systems of linear equations in two
variables by (a) graphing, (b) substitution, and (c) elimination.

Lesson Solving Problems Involving

18 Systems of Linear Equations

In Two Variables
You will find systems of linear equations in every application of mathematics. This
module focuses on the methods of finding the solutions of systems of linear equations
in two variables by graphing, substitution, and elimination method. Also, you will
learn its applications to practical situations.

What’s In

In this section, you are going to reassess your understanding in graphing systems
of linear equations in two variables. The following activity will help you to connect
the current lesson with the previous one.

Activity 1: Match Me Up!

Direction: Match Set A with the appropriate system of linear equations found in Set
B. Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it inside the box
provided below.
Set A

1. 2. 3.

Set B

3y = −2x + 5 y=x+2
a. { b. {
4x + 6y = 10 y=x+3

2x + 4y = 8 x + 4y = 2
c. { d. {
y = 2x – 8 y = 2x – 4

What’s New

In this part, you are going to discover the solution of a system of linear
equations. Graphically, the solution is the point of intersection of the lines. Also, it
is a set of values for the variable that would make the systems of linear equations
correct.

What is It

In this section, you to learn and understand the approaches on how to solve
problems involving systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing,
substitution, and elimination method.

A. Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

Graphically, the solution to a system of linear equations is the point of
intersection of the lines.
 Below are the comparisons of graphical representations of each type of a
system.
Graph Relationships Solution

1. • Intersecting lines • One Solution

2.
• Parallel lines • No solution

3.
• Coinciding lines • Infinitely many
solutions

Illustrative examples. Find the solution or solution set of the given systems
of linear equations.
x–y=2
1. {
2x + y = 4

The graph shows that the solution is (2, 0).

x+y=2
2. {
2x + 2y = 4

There is an infinite number of solutions. Some of these are evident from the
graphs of the lines, namely: (-2, 4), (0,2), (2, 0), (4, -2).
 2x − y = 2
3. {
2x − y = 6

The system has no solution.

B. Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution

One method that can be used to solve systems of linear equations algebraically
is the substitution method. The immediate goal in using this method is to obtain
one equation containing only one variable. Afterwards, we need to get the values of 𝑥
and 𝑦. See the following examples.

Steps in Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution Method:

1. Write Equation 1 or Equation 2 in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
2. Substitute the resulting equation in Step 1 to Equation 2. Then, simplify
the equation.
3. Solve for 𝑥. 4. Solve for 𝑦.
5. Identify the solution.

Illustrative Example 1.
Given:
𝑦 = 3𝑥 Equation 1 𝑥
+ 𝑦 = 24 Equation 2
Steps: Process:
1. Write Equation 1 in the form 𝑦 =
𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏. Since Equation 1 is already
in the form 𝑦 = 3𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, proceed to the next
step.
2. Substitute the resulting equation in Equation 2: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 24
Step 1 to Equation 2. Then simplify 𝑥 + (3𝑥) = 24
the equation. 4𝑥 = 24
3. Solve for 𝑥. 4𝑥 24
a. Divide both sides by the 4. =
4 4
𝑥 = 6.
4. Solve for 𝑦. Since 𝑥 = 6,
a. Substitute the value of 𝑥 in 𝑦 = 3𝑥
Step 3 to any of the equations
to get the value of 𝑦. (This 𝑦 = 3(6)
time, let us substitute it to
Equation 1). 𝑦 = 18.
b. Simplify.
 5. Identify the solution. Therefore, the solution is
(6,18).

Illustrative Example 2.
Given:
y = 2x + 2 Equation 1
x + y = 20 Equation 2
Steps: Process:
1. Write Equation 1 in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏. Since Equation 1:
Equation 1 is already in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2,
proceed to the next step. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 20
𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 2) = 20

2. Substitute the resulting equation in Step 1 to Since 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2,

Equation 2. Then simplify the equation. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 20
𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 2) = 20
3𝑥 + 2 = 20
3. Solve for 𝑥.
a. Add −2 to both sides of the equation. 3𝑥 + 2 − 2 = 20 − 2

b. Simplify. 3𝑥 = 18

c. Divide both sides of the equation by 3. 3𝑥 18

=
d. Simplify. 3 3
𝑥 = 6.
4. Solve for 𝑦. Since 𝑥 = 6,
a. Substitute the value of 𝑥 in Step 3 to 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2
any of the equations to get the value of
𝑦. (This time, let us substitute it to 𝑦 = 2(6) + 2
Equation 1).
𝑦 = 12 + 2
b. Simplify. 𝑦 = 14
5. Identify the solution. Therefore, the
solution is (6,14).

C. Solve Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination

Another algebraic method can be used to avoid the inconvenience of working

with fractions is using the elimination method. The immediate goal of this process
is to obtain a sum or difference of these two equations that will have only one variable.
 Steps in Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination Method
1. Write Equation 1 or Equation 2 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 0. The new equation
will be the Equation 3.
2. Eliminate either 𝑥 or 𝑦.
3. Solve for 𝑥. 4. Solve for 𝑦.
5. Identify the solution.

Illustrative Example 1.
Given:
𝑦 = 3𝑥 Equation 1 𝑥
+ 𝑦 = 24 Equation 2
Steps: Process:
1. Write Equation 1 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + Equation 1:
𝑏𝑦 = 0. The new equation will be 𝑦 = 3𝑥
our Equation 3.
a. Add – 𝑦 to both sides. 𝑦 − 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 𝑦
b. Simplify. 0 = 3𝑥 − 𝑦
Thus, Equation 3 is: 3𝑥
−𝑦=0
2. Eliminate either 𝑥 or 𝑦.
a. Add Equation 2 and Equation 3. Equation 2: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 24
Equation 3: 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 00
4𝑥 = 24
3. Solve for 𝑥.
a. Divide both sides by 4. 4𝑥 24
=
b. Simplify. 4 4
𝑥 = 6.
4. Solve for 𝑦.
a. Substitute the value of 𝑥 to Equation 1: 𝑦 = 3𝑥
Equation 1. 𝑦 = 3(6)
b. Simplify. 𝑦 = 18.
5. Identify the solution. Therefore, the solution is
(6,18).

Solving Problems Involving Systems of Linear Equations in Two

Variables by Graphing, Substitution Method and Elimination Method.

Let us solve the problem below using the three different methods.

Problem: Jose and Ana, hospital doctors, are both frontliners of the COVID-19
pandemic crisis. Every month they receive letters from different people
who really appreciate their self-sacrificing spirit of love and dedication for
their work. Today, they count the number of mailed letters they got.
Together they received 250 letters. Ana received 50 mailed letters more
than that of Jose. How many mailed letters did each one get?
I. Solving the Problem by Graphing.
Steps:
1. Represent the unknown quantities and write the system of linear
equations. (Identify Equation 1 and Equation 2)
2. Construct the table of values for Equation 1 and Equation 2.
3. Graph the two equations.
4. Identify the solution by giving the coordinates of the point of
intersection.
5. Conclusion.
Solution:
Steps: Process:
1. Represent the unknown Let 𝑥 be the number of mailed letters that
quantities and write the Jose received.
system of linear y be the number of mailed letters that
equations. Ana received.
(Identify Equation 1 and
Equation 2) The equations are:

𝑥 + 𝑦 = 250 Equation 1
𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50 Equation 2
2. Construct the table of
values for Equation 1 and a. Table of values for Equation 1: 𝑥
Equation 2. + 𝑦 = 250
x 0 250
y 250 0

If 𝑥 = 0, we have:
0 + 𝑦 = 250
𝑦 = 250
If 𝑦 = 0, we have:
𝑥 + 0 = 250
𝑥 = 250
b. Table of values for Equation 2: 𝑦
= 𝑥 + 50
x 0 −50
y 50 0

If 𝑥 = 0, we have:
𝑦 = 0 + 50
𝑦 = 50
If 𝑦 = 0, we have:
0 = 𝑥 + 50
𝑥 = −50
 3. Graph the two equations.

(100,150

4. Identify the solution by The point of intersection is (100,150).

giving the coordinates of
point of intersection.
5. Conclusion. Therefore, Jose received 100 letters
while Ana received 150 letters.
II. Solving the Problem by Substitution Method.
Steps:
1. Represent the unknown quantities and write the system of linear
equations. (Identify Equation 1 and Equation 2)
2. Write Equation 1 or Equation 2 in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 to be used in the
substitution.
3. Substitute the resulting equation in Step 2 to the other equation.
Then, simplify the equation.
4. Solve for 𝑥. 5. Solve for 𝑦.
6. Identify the solution.

Now, let us answer the same problem by using the Substitution Method.
Solution:
Steps: Process:
1. Represent the unknown quantities Let 𝑥 be the number of mailed
and write the system of linear letters that Jose received.
equations. (Identify y be the number of mailed
Equation 1 and Equation 2) letters that Ana received.

The equations are:

𝑥 + 𝑦 = 250 Equation 1
𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50 Equation 2
2. Write Equation 1 or Equation 2 in
the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 to be used in 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50 Equation 2
the substitution. But, since
Equation 2 is already in the form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, proceed to the next
step.
3. Substitute the resulting equation 𝑥 + (𝑥 + 50) = 250 2𝑥
in Step 2 to the other equation. + 50 = 250
Then, simplify the equation.
 4. Solve for 𝑥.
a. Add −50 on both sides of the 2𝑥 + 50 − 50 = 250 − 50
equation.
b. Simplify. 2𝑥 = 200 2𝑥
c. Divide both sides by 2. 200
=
2 2

𝑥 = 100
5. Solve for 𝑦.
a. Substitute the value of 𝑥 to 𝑦 = 100 + 50 𝑦
Equation 2. = 150.
b. Simplify
6. Identify the solution. Therefore, the solution is
(100,150). Jose received 100
letters while Ana received 150
letters.

Now, let us solve the same problem using Elimination Method.

III. Solving the Problem by Elimination Method.

Steps:
1. Represent the unknown quantities and write the system of linear
equations. (Identify Equation 1 and Equation 2).
2. Write Equation 1 or Equation 2 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 0.
3. Eliminate either 𝑥 or 𝑦.
4. Solve for 𝑥. 5. Solve for 𝑦.
6. Identify the solution.

Solution:
Steps: Process:
1. Represent the unknown Let 𝑥 be the number of mailed letters that
quantities and write the Jose received.
system of linear y be the number of mailed letters that
equations. (Identify Ana received.
Equation 1 and Equation
2) The equations are:
Equation 1: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 250
Equation 2: 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50
2. Write Equation 2 in the form 𝑎𝑥
+ 𝑏𝑦 = 0. 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50 Equation 2

a. Add both sides of the 𝑦 − 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 50 − 𝑦

Equation 2 by – 𝑦.
b. Simplify. 0 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 50
c. Add both sides by −50. 0 − 50 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 50 − 50
d. Simplify. −50 = 𝑥 − 𝑦
Equation 3: 𝑥 − 𝑦 = −50
 3. Eliminate either 𝑥 or y.
a. Add Equation 1 and Equation 1: 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 250
Equation 3. Equation 3: 𝑥 − 𝑦 = −50
2𝑥 = 200
4. Solve for 𝑥.
a. Divide both sides by 2. 2𝑥 = 200 2𝑥
200
=
2 2 𝑥
= 100
5. Solve for 𝑦.
a. Substitute the value of 𝑥 𝑦 = 100 + 50 𝑦
to Equation 2. = 150.
b. Simplify
6. Identify the solution. Therefore, the solution is (100,150). Jose
received 100 letters while Ana received 150
letters.

Alright! Now, to deepen your understanding on our lesson, answer the next
activity. Get ready!

What’s More
At this point, you are now going to apply independently on how to solve
problems involving systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing,
substation, and elimination method to a real-world context.

Activity 3: Track Them Down!

Direction: Solve the given problem involving system of linear equations by graphing,
substitution and elimination method.

In one town, there were 400 patients admitted to Hospitals X and Y with
symptoms of COVID-19 last month. Patients admitted in Hospital X were forty more
than twice as many patients admitted in Hospital Y. How many patients were
admitted in each hospital?
A. Graphical Method

B. Substitution Method

C. Elimination Method
 What I Can Do

Activity 4: Say Thank You!

Direction. Solve the given problem involving system of linear equations using any
method.

Due the pandemic crisis, food supply packages were provided to every family
household in a certain barangay with a sum of Php 500.00. Lito’s family received 6
kg of rice and 8 canned foods. Lando’s family received 8 kg of rice and 10 canned
foods. What is the cost of a kilogram of rice and a canned food?

Great work! You did a good job in applying what you have learned!
 Assessment

Congratulations! I hope you have learned a lot from this

module. Now, let us check what you have learned.

Direction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which system of equations has a graph that shows intersecting lines with
(2, -2) as a solution?

x+y–4=0
a. {
x–y–2=0

4y + 4x = 7
b. {
2y + x = 3 x

+ 4y = 14
c. {
x = −2y + 7

2x + y = 2
d. {
2x – 2y = 8

2. The following systems of equations show coincident lines with infinitely

many solutions. Which of these has some solutions such as (5, 0), (1, 2), (2,
-1) and
(3, -4)?
x + 2 y = 10
a. {
2x + 4y = 20

2x + 2 y = 2
b. {
x – y = −1

x + 2y = 3
c. {
5x + 10y = 15

3x + y = 5
d. {
6x + 2y = 10

3. Which of the following is a solution to the illustration below?

 a. (1, 2)
b. (2, 1)
c. (-1, -2)
d. (-2, -1)

𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 5
{
𝑥 = −𝑦 + 3

4. What is the solution of x – y = 4 and x = 2y if substitution is applied?

a. (1, 3)
b. (3, 1)
c. (-3, 1)
d. (1, -3)

5. What is the solution or solution set of the systems of linear equations

given by 2x – 6y = 1 and x = 3y + 4 when solved using substitution?

a. (1, 0)
b. (4, 0)
c. no solution
d. infinitely many solutions

6. Which of the following ordered pairs does not satisfy both 2x – 4y – 10 = 0

and x = 2y + 4 if substitution is applied?

a. (5, 0)
b. (0, 5)
c. (1, -2)
d. (-2, 1)

7. What expressions should be multiplied to the systems of linear equations

2x + 6y = 10 and x – y = 4 to eliminate first a variable y?

a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8
8. What is the solution to the systems x + 4y = 4 and x – 4y = 4 when solved
using elimination method?
a. (0, 4)
b. (4, 0)
c. (0, -4)
d. (-4, 0)
 9. Which of the following is a solution to the systems of linear equations 2𝑥 –
2𝑦 = 8 and 2x + 4y = 8 when solved using elimination method?

a. (0, 4)
b. (4, 0)
c. (0, -4)
d. (-4, 0)
For numbers 10 through 12, refer to the problem below.
A stage theatre sold tickets for Php 500. Senior citizens received a discount of
20% and paid only Php 400. On the initial showing, the theatre sold 450
tickets and registered a total of Php 207 500.00. Let it be x for the number of
Php 500 tickets sold and y for the number of Php 400 tickets sold.
10. What mathematical equations can we get from the statement above?
x + y = 400
a. {
400x + 500y = 207,500

x + y = 450
b. {
500x + 400y = 207,500

x – y = 400
c. {
400x + 500y = 207,500

x – y = 450
d. {
500x + 400y = 207,500

11. How many tickets sold for 500-peso tickets?

a. 75
b. 175
c. 275
d. 375

12. How many tickets sold for 400-peso tickets?

a. 75
b. 175
c. 275
d. 375

For numbers 13 through 15, refer to the problem below.

Aling Rosa gave money to his sons Pepe (x) and Pablo (y) for their school’s
allowance. Both of his sons received a total of 10 pieces of P20 paper bills. Pablo
who needs more money for his project had received 2 paper bills more than that
of his brother Pepe.
13. How many pieces of P20 paper bills did Pepe receive?
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8

14. How many pieces of P20 paper bills did Pablo receive?
a. 2
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8

15. Which of these graphs shows the relationship of their allowances?

a.

b.

c.

d.