Consider what the equation and its solution(s) could look like.
See solution.
Practice makes perfect
The advantages and disadvantages of each method depend on the form of the equation, the desired form of the solution, and for what the information will be used. For instance, if both sides of the equation are in slope-intercept form,
ax+b=cx+d,
graphing can be quicker and visually easier to interpret than solving algebraically.
The main disadvantage of solving graphically, especially with paper and pencil, is that it's sometimes difficult to find the exact solution to the system. In this case, solving algebraically may provide better results. Finally, the system may require some algebraic manipulation regardless of the preferred method if the equations are not in slope-intercept form.
The advantages of solving algebraically include precise solutions and that it can be faster and easier to solve algebraically than with a graph. On the other hand, it can be confusing or difficult to visualize the solution without graphing.
The advantages and disadvantages are a matter of opinion and your personal feelings, so just use the method that's best for you in the given situation.
