How do you decide which variable to isolate in order to use the substitution method to solve a system of linear equations?

There is no real rule to decide which variable to isolate, you just isolate the easier one. Or in the cases where you want to solve the system for only one variable, you need to isolate the other.

Assume we have a system of equations with 2 equations and 2 variables (the simplest system, we could have N equations and N variables).

To solve the system by substitution, what you need to do is isolate one of the variables in one of the equations and then replace that in the other equation.

If you want to solve the system for only one variable (for example a problem with the variables x and y, and you only want to know the value of x).

Then you need to isolate the other variable and in that way, the problem will be simpler.

If that is not the case, it depends on you, I usually isolate the variable that is easier to isolate, and then work from that.

If you want to learn more about systems of equations, you can read:

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Step-by-step explanation:

Whichever is easier for you.

For example, 2y = 8x + 10

It is easier to isolate y by dividing both sides by 2

Example 2: 8x = 16y + 24

In this case, x is easier to eliminate by dividing both sides by 8

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step-by-step explanation:

it would take 7/10 of an hour too fill the pool.

step-by-step explanation: