Question

Solve System Equations: x and y
–x + 2y = -4
2x – 3y = 8

Answer 1

Your first step is going to be to eliminate one of the variables. In this case it is easiest to choose x first. Multiply the first equation by 2.

Answer 2

Example of that would be?

Answer 3

If you had two equations x + y = 3 and 2x + 3y = 7. Your first step in solving it would be to multiply the first equation by 2 to get 2x + 2y = 6. There are still more steps, I'm just trying to walk you through them one by one

Answer 4

Ok so then whats the next step?

Answer 5

The next step will be to either add or subtract the two equations to eliminate one of the variables. In the example I gave, you would subtract the 2x +2y = 6 from the 2x + 3y = 7 to get y = 1. In yours, you want to add the two together:

-2x + 4y = -8
+ 2x - 3y = 8
___________________
0x + y = 0

Answer 6

so x=0?

Answer 7

y = 0. 0* any number is always 0 so we don't know the value for x yet. The next step will be to put 0 into one of the equations for y and solve for x.

Answer 8

Ok can you do that so I can have a visual?

Answer 9

Sure. Give me a second while I type it all out for you

Answer 10

0x + y = 0 is the same as just y = 0

Putting 0 for y into one of the equations gives you:
-x + 2(0) = -4

Simplify:
-x + 0 = -4
-x = -4

Divide both sides by negative one to remove the -:
x = 4

Answer 11

Ok I get it! Thanks man appreciate it!

Answer 12

Not a problem :)