When solving a system of equations by the process of elimination, if both variables get canceled as soon as I alter one of the equations, how do I figure out the value of each variable?
This is the problem I'm stuck on:
2x + 4y = -1
4x + 8y = 0
I tried multiplying the first equation by -2, which results in both variables being canceled out. PLEASE HELP!

Question

When solving a system of equations by the process of elimination, if both variables get canceled as soon as I alter one of the equations, how do I figure out the value of each variable? 
This is the problem I'm stuck on: 
2x + 4y = -1
4x + 8y = 0 
I tried multiplying the first equation by -2, which results in both variables being canceled out. PLEASE HELP!

anonymous · Answer

I think it means there are no solutions.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, yes. Write them both in $y = mx + b$ form.
$$y = -\frac{1}{2}x - \frac{1}{4}$$$$y = -\frac{1}{2}x$$
Those lines are parallel. No solutions.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much! I was losing it over this one problem, lol.