Question

What is a possible first step to eliminate the variable x in the following system?
2x – 7y = 3
4x + 5y = –2

A. Multiply the first equation by 7.

B. Multiply the first equation by –2.

C. Multiply the second equation by 2.

D. Multiply the second equation by –3.

Answer 1

If you want to eliminate x, then you need to have opposite coefficients on the x terms in each equation. For example, if the second equation has 4x, then we need the first equation to have -4x. This is because when added together they will cancel out. So, What do you need to multiply the first equation by to get -4x?

Answer 2

okay so now what?

Answer 3

@primeralph can you help? :)

Answer 4

@blurbendy Get this please.

Answer 5

vinn226's explanation was correct. what is the best way to get -4x? what do we need to multiply the first equation by?

Answer 6

@blurbendy She's not really following; just do it to a point and stall with some work for her to finish.

Answer 7

2x = -4

divide by 2

Answer 8

is it B.?

Answer 9

yup!

Answer 10

Thank you!!!!

Answer 11

yw