Algebra 1 Intermediate

System of Equations Solver

Solve 2×2 and 3×3 linear systems by substitution, elimination, or Cramer's rule with full steps. Handles unique solutions, no solution (parallel lines), and infinite solutions (same line).

Live Calculator · Step-by-Step · Algebra
System Setup
Method
Enter equations like "2x + 3y = 12" — supports integer and decimal coefficients.
Examples
Uses Gaussian elimination with row reduction. Supports x, y, z variables.
Examples
Solution
Enter equations above and press Solve System to see the solution, solution type, and step-by-step work.
Step-by-Step Solution
Graph
Three Cases for Linear Systems
Lines intersect → Unique solution (x₀, y₀)

Unique Solution: The two lines cross at exactly one point. The determinant D ≠ 0. We get specific values for every variable.

No Solution (Parallel Lines): The lines have the same slope but different y-intercepts — they never meet. The determinant D = 0 and the equations are inconsistent. You'll see a contradiction like 0 = 5.

Infinite Solutions (Same Line): Both equations describe the exact same line — one is a multiple of the other. D = 0 and the equations are dependent. The solution is the entire line, expressed as a parametric set.

To check your answer: substitute x and y back into both original equations. Both sides must balance exactly.
Cramer's Rule (2×2)
D = a₁b₂ − a₂b₁ x = Dₓ/D, y = Dᵧ/D Dₓ = c₁b₂ − c₂b₁ Dᵧ = a₁c₂ − a₂c₁

For the system a₁x + b₁y = c₁ and a₂x + b₂y = c₂, Cramer's Rule uses determinants to find each variable directly.

D is the determinant of the coefficient matrix. If D = 0, the system has no unique solution.

Dₓ replaces the x-column with the constants. Dᵧ replaces the y-column with the constants.

  • Works only when D ≠ 0 (unique solution exists).
  • Elimination is usually faster for larger systems.
  • Gaussian elimination extends naturally to 3×3 and beyond.
  • Row operations preserve the solution set of the system.

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