FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

Which method involves substituting a variable to find the remaining variable in an equation?

1. Combination

2. Elimination

3. Substitution

4. Transformation

The correct answer is: Substitution

The method that involves substituting a variable to find the remaining variable in an equation is indeed substitution. This technique is commonly used in solving systems of equations. In this process, you will solve one of the equations for one variable in terms of the other and then substitute that expression into the other equation. This allows you to isolate the remaining variable and find its value. Once you have one variable, you can easily backtrack to find the other variable by substituting the known value back into one of the original equations. This approach is particularly effective when dealing with simpler equations or when one of the equations can be easily manipulated to express one variable in terms of the other. It streamlines the problem-solving process and reduces the complexity involved in finding the solution. The substitution method is essential in various mathematical applications, including algebra and systems analysis, making it a powerful tool for students and professionals alike.