Q:

Solve it he system of equations. 2x + 3y = 1. 5x + 2y = 8 What is the solution?

Accepted Solution

A:
In order to solve this system, you can use the subtraction method.Essentially, you need to make either the 'x' or the 'y' equal on both sides so that you can subtract them from each other.In this case, it seems easier to subtract the y, so let's do just that.Multiply '2x + 3y = 1' by 2, and '5x + 2y = 8' by 32(2x + 3y = 1) 3(5x  + 2y = 8)___________4x + 6y = 215x + 6y = 24___________See how the 'y' variables are the same in both equations?Subtract them:4x + 6y = 2- 15x - 6y = - 24____________-11x = -22(Note that's it's SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT to distribute the minus to all the numbers when doing this kind of subtraction)Divide both sides by -11:x = 2Great! We have our first variable! Now all we have to do is input the 'x' into one of the equations and find 'y'!Let's use the first equation! (It doesn't matter which one you pick at this point)2(2) + 3y = 14 + 3y = 1Subtract 4 from both sides:3y = -3y = -1Huzzah! We now have the solution!(2, -1)Good luck!