8th Grade · Expressions & Equations

Substitution

8.EE.C.8b

Definition

A method for solving a system by replacing one variable with an equivalent expression from another equation, reducing it to a single-variable equation.

Examples

  • y=2x and x+y=9: substitute to get x+2x=9, so x=3, y=6.
  • Best when a variable is already alone in one equation.

Key rule

Solve one equation for a variable, then substitute it into the other equation.

Memory hook

Swap one variable for its equivalent expression.