Select the best possible first step to solving the following system by first eliminating the y variable.
6x - y = -5
8x + 3y = -11

Question

Select the best possible first step to solving the following system by first eliminating the y variable.
6x - y = -5
8x + 3y = -11

anonymous · Answer

a) Multiply the first equation by 3.
b) Multiply the second equation by 3.
c) Multiply the first equation by -3.
d) None of the above.

apoorvk · Answer

Okay I see a '-y' in the first equation and a '3y'. 
Now, if the '-y' were a '-3y', when the two equations are added, '3y' and '-3y' would cancel each other out, eliminating 'y' from the equation.

So, what among the options above do you think would convert that '-y' in the first equation to '-3y'?

anonymous · Answer

?

apoorvk · Answer

?? :P
Read that thing^.

anonymous · Answer

ohh okayy i got answer c

reemii · Answer

-y multiplied by a number = -3y.
the number is 3. why c) ? it's a).