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

x – 12y = –2
3x + 4y = 18

Question

Select the best possible first step to solving the system by first eliminating the y variable.

x – 12y = –2
3x + 4y = 18

anonymous · Answer

multiply bottom by 3, subtract bottom from top

anonymous · Answer

They want you to eliminate the y variable. That's easy to do if the coefficients are the same OR if one coefficient is a multiple of the other. Is there something I can multiply the 4y by to make it into 12 y?

anonymous · Answer

Medal please

anonymous · Answer

Relax, buddy.

anonymous · Answer

OpenStudy is about teaching people, not about getting medals.

anonymous · Answer

Ok thanks you guys for all the help and @smoothmath you would multiply by 3

anonymous · Answer

Exactly =) So if you multiply the whole equation by 3, then things cancel out nicely when you add 'em up.

lgbasallote · Answer

^that just proves that the more you refuse medals..the more people will give you some :)