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

5x − 6y = 6
x − y = 12

Add the two equations together

Multiply the second equation by −6

Multiply the first equation by −6

Multiply the second equation by 6

Question

If you wanted to eliminate the y variable by adding the two equations in the following system, what could be your first step?

5x − 6y = 6
  x − y = 12

 Add the two equations together

 Multiply the second equation by −6

 Multiply the first equation by −6

 Multiply the second equation by 6

radar · Answer

The second one will result in -6x + 6y =-72
Do you see why that would work?

anonymous · Answer

I agree...multiply the second equation by -6 and this will cancel (eliminate) the y's :)