The substitution method is a straightforward technique used to determine if a given point solves a given equation. When we use the substitution method in the context of quadratic equations, we replace the variable \(x\) with the \(x\)-coordinate from the point and \(y\) with the \(y\)-coordinate.
For example, if you are evaluating the point \((1, -1)\) for the equation \(y = 2x^2 - 7x + 3\), execute the following steps:
- Replace \(x\) with 1 and \(y\) with -1.
- Calculate: \(-1 = 2(1)^2 - 7(1) + 3\). Simplify to see if both sides match.
This method essentially cross-checks if both sides of the equation hold true based on the given point.
If they equate perfectly, then the substitution shows that the point is on the graph of the equation. If there is a discrepancy, the point does not match the equation's graph.