Question

Solve the system by substitution
-4.5x-2y=-12.5
3.25x-y=-0.75
Please help! I have been stuck on this problem for a LONG time...

Answer 1

you have to solve one of the equations for either x or y
it looks like if we take the 2nd equation it would be easiest because y variable
is all alone.

3.25x-y=-0.75 add y both sides and add .75 to both sides we get
3.25x + .75 = y now we know y, substitute that in first equation

solve for x
-4.5x-2(3.25x + .75)=-12.5 distribute the -2
-4.5x - 6.5x -1.5=-12.5 add 1.5 to both sides combine x terms
-11x=-11
x=1 no we know x

plug 1back in the equation for x-- and solve for y
remember to do a check