The Addition-Subtraction Method Another way to solve for two unknowns in a system of two equations is with the addition-subtraction method. Here are the five steps: Make the coefficient of either variable the same in both equations (you can disregard the sign) by multiplying every term in one of the equations. Make sure the equations list the same variables in the same order. Place one equation above the other. Add the two equations (work down to a sum for each term), or subtract one equation from the other, to eliminate one variable. .
