Question

Systems of equations can be solved by graphing or by using substitution or elimination. What are the pros and cons of each method?

Which method do you like best? Why?

What circumstances would cause you to use a different method?

Answer 1

I suggest you try them all and form your own opinion. With two or three unknowns, I prefer elimination as a method. It is quick and there is less opportunity to make mistakes. With four or more unknowns, I would use determinants.

Answer 2

Graphing only works with two unknowns. With three, you are dealing with intersecting planes, which cannot be drawn on a sheet of graph paper. With four or more, you are dealing with hyperspace.

Answer 3

Systems of equations can be solved by graphing or by using substitution or elimination. What are the pros and cons of each method? Which method do you like best? Why? What circumstances would cause you to use a different method?