Solve the system

Question

Solve the system 

4x₁+x₂=-3

8x₁+2x₂=-6

x1=

x2=

Answer 1

Dalia,

 

In order to solve for two unknowns we need to have 2 independent equations.

If we multiply both sides of your 1st equation by 2:  2·(4x₁ + x₂) = 2·(-3) we get: 8x₁ + 2x₂ = -6,

which is the same as your 2nd equation, so these are not independent and do not lead to a solution.

You need and additional equation.