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

5x – 7y = –4
3x – 10y = –14

Question

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

5x – 7y = –4
3x – 10y = –14

anonymous · Answer

a: Multiply the first equation by –3 and multiply the second equation by –5.
		b: Multiply the first equation by –3 and multiply the second equation by 5.
		c: Multiply the first equation by 3 and multiply the second equation by 5.
		d: Multiply the first equation by 4 and the second equation by 14.

anonymous · Answer

You should multiply the equations by a number that will make absolute values of coefficients of the term with one of the variables equal. In this case, multiplying first equation by -3 and second by 5 will make the coefficients of x -15 and 15. Adding will then eliminate x.