To solve the following system of equations by elimination, which step would be best to perform first?
1/4a - 1/2b=1
a + 1/3b =3
A. Add the two equations
B. subtract the two equations
C. Multiply the first equation by 4
D. Divide the second equation by 3

Question

imstuck · Answer

The best thing to do first is to multiply the first equation by 4 because it would eliminate the fractions. 4(1/4a - 1/2b = 1) --->a - 2b = 4.  See that?

texaschic101 · Answer

I suppose it would be to multiply it by 4, although it would be easier to multiply it by -4 and then, just add them. Or, I guess you could just multiply by 4, and then subtract them.