Question

which ordered pair is a solution of the equation 3x + y = -23?

A. (5, 8)
B. (-8, -5)
C. (-5, -8)
D. (8, 5)

Answer 1

Which ordered pair makes the equation work?

Let's try D:

\[x=8,y=5\]\[3x+y=-23\]\[3(8)+5=-23\]\[24+5=-23\]\[29=-23\]Nope, it isn't D!

Answer 2

Hopefully it is obvious from that experiment that you'll need values of \(x\) and \(y\) that are negative...

Answer 3

B?

Answer 4

well, does it work?

\[x=-8,y=-5\]\[3(-8)+(-5) = -23\]Is that true or not?

Answer 5

umm, i'm not sure

Answer 6

what is 3(-8)?

Answer 7

-24

Answer 8

right. what is -24 - 5?

Answer 9

-29

Answer 10

right. does -29 = -23?

Answer 11

no

Answer 12

okay. is B a correct answer?

Answer 13

so it is A or C?

Answer 14

go through the process. find the values of x and y that make the equation true. there's no need to guess, just do a little arithmetic.