Question

If you wanted to eliminate the y variable by adding the two equations in the following system, what could be your first step?

2x − 4y = 6
3x − y = 12

Add the two equations together

Multiply the first equation by −4

Multiply the second equation by −4

Multiply the second equation by 4

Answer 1

to eliminate y by adding the equations we need -4y+4y=0. The -4y is from the first equation and we need +4y from the second equation to cancel it out. So your question becomes:
what do I multiply -y by to get +4y?

Answer 2

i dont need to solve it i just need the firs step which i believe would be to add the two equations together

Answer 3

yes I know. My method above allows you to eliminate the y variable by adding the equations. That is what your questions asked.

Answer 4

If you just add the two equations together you will not eliminate the y variable which is what you need to do. You have to multiply one of the equations by a value such that the y's cancel when you add the equations.