Question

Solve the system of equations

x + 3y = 32

-3x + 2y = 3

Answer 1

Hi bart,

A good approach to these is to solve one of the equations for one of the variables. So, if I solved the first equation for x, I would get:

x = 32 - 3y

I can then put this into the second equation and solve.

-3(32 - 3y) + 2y = 3
-96 + 9y + 2y = 3, after distribution
11y = 99, after some simplification
y = 9, after some more.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

\[x + 3y = 32\]\[-3x + 2y = 3\]

\[x=32-3y\]\[-3(32-3y)+2y=3\]

\[x=32-3y\]\[-96+9y+2y=3\]

\[x=32-3y\]\[11y=99\]

\[x=32-3y\]\[y=9\]

\[x=32-3\times9\]\[y=9\]
\[x=5\]\[y=9\]