Algebra Lesson - Substitution

This Algebra Lesson introduces the technique of substitution - another key technique in algebra.

Substitution works this way: if an unknown quantity (or an expression) can be expressed in a different way, then you can substitute in its place the alternative expression. This gives you a new equation, which may lead to the solution.

Let’s start with a simple example to illustrate substitution. Suppose you are given:

3x + y = 30
and
3x = 24

Since we know that 3x = 24 we can substitute 24 in the place of 3x into the first equation to give us:

24 + y = 30

Then we can solve for y as follows:

24 + y − 24 = 30 − 24
y = 30 − 24
∴ y = 6

And we can readily solve for x from the second equation: 3x = 24 to get x = 8 which should be straightforward (if you need help with that, you may want to review our lessons on Basic Algebra or Transposition).

Why didn’t we just solve for x first and plug 8 into the first equation? Of course we could’ve done that, but we just wanted to illustrate the substitution technique using a simple example first.

Now, for a more typical example to develop our understanding of substitution. If you have two unknown quantities, x and y, and two equations linking them. (Two equations are needed to get a unique solution for two unknowns. If there was just one equation, an infinite number of pairs of x and y would exist that satisfy it):

x + 3y = 13        (1)
2x – y = 5        (2)

We can subtract 3y from both sides of equation (1):

x = 13 – 3y        (3)

Now we substitute this for x into equation (2)

2(13 – 3y) – y = 5

That gives us:

26 – 6y – y = 5

Now, subtract 26 from both sides.

– 6y – y = – 21
– 7y = – 21

Multiply both sides by (–1).

7y = 21

We now solve for y

y = 3

Then substitute y = 3 into equation (3), x = 13 – 3y
x = 13 – 3 × 3
x = 13 – 9
x = 4

To check our answers, put x = 4 and y = 3 into equations (1) and (2) to see that these solutions indeed satisfy the equations.

With this algebra lesson, you’ve completed the introduction to the technique of substitution in algebra.

Now, try to solve the following yourself, using the steps shown above.

x − y = 3        (1)
2x + 3y = 26        (2)
When you have worked them out, check that you got x = 7 and y = 4.

The following video gives a basic substitution example, as well a more advanced type of substitution, that involves fractions.

• Show Video

If you would like more practice on this technique, try our Solving System of Equations by Substitution worksheet.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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