Solve the system by substitution.

Question

tkhunny · Answer

1) Please present the system.
2) Demonstrate your efforts at solving it.

anonymous · Answer

-4.5x - 2y = -12.5
3.25x - y = -0.75
I don't even know where to begin

tkhunny · Answer

That's just not OKAY.  Why have you been give this problem?  Are you int eh right class?  That should NEVER be the case.

Substitution says to solve one equation for one variable and substitute that expression in to the other equation.

You have this:

-4.5x - 2y = -12.5
3.25x - y = -0.75

It is relatively easy to solve the second for 'y'.

y = 3.25x + 0.75

Substitute this expression in the the first equation.

-4.5x - 2y = -12.5
-4.5x - 2(3.25x + 0.75) = -12.5

Use your best algebra and solve for a value of x, if one exists.