Meaning & use
system of equations
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablemathematics
A group of two or more equations that share the same variables and are solved together.
Grammar: Countable: one system of equations, several systems of equations.
Patterns
- solve a system of equations
- a system of equations in two variables
- a system of linear equations
We solved the system of equations by substitution.
A system of equations can have one solution, no solution, or infinitely many.
The teacher asked us to graph the system of equations on the board.
Word forms
| plural | systems of equations |
|---|
Common combinations
- solve a system of equations
- Can you solve this system of equations before the bell?
- a system of linear equations
- A system of linear equations appears on the final exam.
- a system of equations in two variables
- We studied a system of equations in two variables.
Synonyms and how they differ
- simultaneous equations
- A common British term for the same idea; 'system of equations' is more common in American English.
Word family
- equation noun
- A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal.
Commonly confused: system of equations or expression?
system of equations vs expression
An expression has no equals sign; an equation does, and a system of equations is a set of such equations.
Practice
What does a 'system of equations' mean in math?
Choose one answer.
A system of equations is a set of equations that share variables and are solved at the same time. The other options describe unrelated math ideas.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “system of equations”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.