Question

Select the best possible first step to solving the following system by first eliminating the x variable.

2x + 5y = 1
x + 6y = –10

Answer 1

multiply the bottom one by 2, then subtract the bottom from top or vice versa.

Answer 2

set x = x

x = (1-5y)/2
x = (10 + 6y)

Answer 3

twoof and Hero are both correct.

Answer 4

2x+5y = 1
x + 6y = -10

I would multiply the second equation by -2, and then add them together, using the elimination method.
2x + 5y = 1
-2x - 12y = 20

Which simplifies to:
-7y = 21
y = -3

Now substitute in the y value into either equation:
2x + 5(-3) = 1
2x - 15 =1
2x = 16
x = 8

Now in the second equation.
x + 6y = -10
x + 6(-3) = -10
x + -18 = -10
x = 8

Hope this helps.
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