Solving equations and inequalities with multiple variables involves several steps and strategies depending on the specific problem. Here's a breakdown:

1. Identify the Type of Problem

• Systems of Equations: These are sets of two or more equations with multiple variables. The goal is to find values for the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously.
• Inequalities: These involve expressions that are not strictly equal but are related by inequalities (e.g., <, >, ≤, ≥).

2. Simplify the Equations or Inequalities

• Combine Like Terms: Simplify each equation or inequality by combining like terms on each side.
• Isolate Variables: Rearrange the equations to get one of the variables by itself on one side of the equation if possible.

3. Substitution Method (for Systems of Equations)

• Solve one of the equations for one variable in terms of the other(s).
• Substitute this expression into the other equation(s) to eliminate that variable.
• Solve the resulting equation for the remaining variable.
• Substitute back to find the other variable(s).

4. Elimination Method (for Systems of Equations)

• Multiply one or both equations by a constant so that adding or subtracting the equations eliminates one variable.
• Solve the resulting equation for the remaining variable.
• Substitute back to find the other variable(s).

5. Graphical Method (for Systems of Equations and Inequalities)

• Plot each equation or inequality on a graph.
• The solution for systems of equations is where the graphs intersect.
• For inequalities, identify the region where the inequality holds true.

6. Solve Inequalities

• Linear Inequalities: Solve similarly to linear equations but pay attention to the inequality sign, especially when multiplying or dividing by a negative number (the inequality sign flips).
• System of Inequalities: Find the solution set that satisfies all inequalities simultaneously by considering the overlapping region of solutions.

7. Check Solutions

• Substitute the solutions back into the original equations or inequalities to verify that they satisfy all conditions.

Example:

System of Equations:

x - y = 2 \quad \text{(2)}$$ **Substitution**: - Solve equation (2) for $$x$$: $$x = y + 2$$ - Substitute into equation (1): $$2(y + 2) + 3y = 6$$ $$2y + 4 + 3y = 6$$ $$5y = 2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = \frac{2}{5}$$ - Substitute $$y = \frac{2}{5}$$ back into $$x = y + 2$$: $$x = \frac{2}{5} + 2 = \frac{12}{5}$$ #### Inequality: $$2x + 3y < 6$$ - Isolate $$y$$: $$3y < -2x + 6 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y < -\frac{2}{3}x + 2$$ - Graph the line $$y = -\frac{2}{3}x + 2$$ and shade below it, representing the solution set. --- Would you like more details or have any specific questions? Here are 5 related questions to consider: 1. How do you solve systems of nonlinear equations? 2. What is the difference between solving equations algebraically versus graphically? 3. How do you handle systems of inequalities with more than two variables? 4. Can inequalities have multiple solutions, and how are they represented? 5. How do you determine if a system of equations has no solution, one solution, or infinitely many solutions? **Tip**: Always double-check your solutions by substituting them back into the original equations or inequalities. This step helps catch any errors and ensures accuracy.