Could someone please help explaining how to solve this equation?
Given the system of equations presented here:

3x + 5y = 29
x + 4y = 16

Which of the following actions creates an equivalent system such that, when combined with the other equation, one of the variables is eliminated?

A. Multiply the second equation by −1 to get −x − 4y = −16

B. Multiply the second equation by −3 to get −3x − 12y = −48

C. Multiply the first equation by −1 to get −3x − 5y = −29

D. Multiply the first equation by −3 to get −9x − 15y = −87

Question

Could someone please help explaining how to solve this equation?
Given the system of equations presented here:

3x + 5y = 29
x + 4y = 16

Which of the following actions creates an equivalent system such that, when combined with the other equation, one of the variables is eliminated?

 A. Multiply the second equation by −1 to get −x − 4y = −16

 B. Multiply the second equation by −3 to get −3x − 12y = −48

C. Multiply the first equation by −1 to get −3x − 5y = −29

D. Multiply the first equation by −3 to get −9x − 15y = −87

thesmartone · Answer

Do you have any idea how to attempt your question or what the answer is? :)

mathmale · Answer

Hint:  the reason for taking any of the four possible steps listed here is to eliminate one of the two variables:  x or y.  Keep that in mind.  

If you are multiplying one equation by a constant, the purpose is to eliminate one of the variables (same as before).  For example, if you ended up with 3x - 3x, x would disappear from your equations and you'd be able to solve the resulting equation for y.

mathmale · Answer

In this particular problem, you're to use "elimination of one variable through addition/subtraction."  If you're still unsure of what to do, try looking up that term.