Last updated on August 5th, 2025
The mathematical operation of finding the difference between two equations is known as the subtraction of equations. It helps solve systems of equations and simplify problems involving constants, variables, and arithmetic operations.
Subtracting equations involves finding the difference between two equations by subtracting one from the other. This process can be useful in solving systems of equations, where the goal is to eliminate a variable. In subtraction of equations, we deal with:
Coefficients: These are constant values like -1, 4, etc.
Variables: These are unknown quantities like x, y, z, etc.
Operators: For subtraction, the operator is the minus (-) symbol.
When subtracting equations, students should follow these rules:
Align terms: Make sure that all like terms are aligned vertically.
Subtract: Subtract the coefficients of the aligned terms and simplify the result.
Check solution: After subtracting, solve the resulting equation for the variable of interest.
The following are methods for subtracting equations:
Method 1: Elimination Method
To apply the elimination method for subtraction of equations, follow these steps.
Step 1: Arrange both equations in standard form with like terms aligned.
Step 2: Subtract one equation from the other to eliminate a variable.
Step 3: Solve the resulting equation.
Example: Subtract the equations 3x + 2y = 7 2x + 2y = 5
Step 1: Align the equations: 3x + 2y = 7 2x + 2y = 5
Step 2: Subtract the second equation from the first: (3x + 2y) - (2x + 2y) = 7 - 5
Step 3: Simplify and solve: x = 2 Answer: x = 2
Method 2: Substitution Method
In the substitution method, solve one equation for one variable and substitute into the other equation to eliminate the variable.
Example: Solve the equations x + y = 6 x - y = 2
Solution: Solve the first equation for x: x = 6 - y
Substitute in the second equation: (6 - y) - y = 2 6 - 2y = 2 2y = 4 y = 2
Substitute back: x = 6 - 2 = 4
Therefore, x = 4 and y = 2
Subtraction of equations has the following properties:
Tips and tricks for effectively dealing with subtraction of equations include:
Tip 1: Always check alignment of like terms before subtracting.
Tip 2: If two equations have identical terms on one side, subtract them out to simplify calculations.
Tip 3: Use the elimination method when a variable can be easily eliminated by subtraction.
Ensure that like terms are aligned vertically before subtracting. Misalignment can lead to incorrect subtraction.
Use the elimination method, (4x + 3y) - (2x + 3y) = 10 - 4 2x = 6 x = 3
Subtract the equations y = 2x + 3 and y = 3x + 1
x = 2
Subtract the equations, (2x + 3) - (3x + 1) = 0 2x + 3 - 3x - 1 = 0 -x + 2 = 0 x = 2
Subtract the equations x + y = 5 and x - y = 1
y = 2
Subtract the equations, (x + y) - (x - y) = 5 - 1 x + y - x + y = 4 2y = 4 y = 2
Subtract the equations 3a + 4b = 12 and 3a + 2b = 8
b = 2
Subtract the equations, (3a + 4b) - (3a + 2b) = 12 - 8 2b = 4 b = 2
Subtract the equations 6m - n = 9 and 2m - n = 3
m = 3
Subtraction in equations can be challenging, leading to common mistakes. Awareness of these errors can help students avoid them.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.