When solving for a variable in a system of simultaneous equations, what is a common method?

Substituting one equation into another is a widely used method when solving for a variable in a system of simultaneous equations, often referred to as the substitution method. This approach involves isolating one variable in one of the equations and then substituting that expression into the other equation. This simplifies the problem by reducing the number of variables in one equation, making it easier to solve for the remaining variable.

For example, if you have two equations, you might take one equation and solve for x in terms of y. You would then take that expression for x and substitute it into the other equation. This allows you to find the value of y first, and once you have y, you can substitute it back into the first equation to find x.

Using substitution can often lead to a more straightforward solution, especially if one of the equations is easily manipulated to isolate a variable. Therefore, this method is not only valid but also efficient in many cases, making it a common technique in the realm of simultaneous equations.