Solve the system of linear equations by elimination. Check your solution

Question

x + 3y= 1

5x + 6y = 14

Answer 1

To use the elimination method, you need to first figure out a way to eliminate a variable. To do so, you can multiply every value in the first equation by -5.

-5(x + 3y = 1)

-5x + -15y = -5

Now you add the two equations together by lining them up.

-5x + -15y = -5

5x + 6y = 14

The x's will eliminate each other leaving you with:

-9y = 9

Now follow the procedure of isolating the variable by dividing both sides by -9

y = -1

That should be enough, but if you chose to eliminate y instead, I would still use the first equation, but multiply all value by -2.

-2(x + 3y = 1)

-2x + -6y = -2

Align the equations vertically.

-2x + -6y = -2

5x + 6y = 14

The y values now eliminate each other leaving you with:

3x = 12

Isolate x by dividing both sides by 3.

x = 4

I hope this helps you understand the elimination process!

Answer 2

-5(x + 3y = 1) x+ 3(-1)=1

5x + 6y = 14 x - 3 =1

x=4

-5x -15y= -5

-9y = 9

y= -1