Question

Solve the system using elimination and describe your steps. Be sure to verify your solution. • x = y - 3 2x + y = 12

Answer 1

So these are our two equations: $2x+y=12\\x=y-3$

Before we can use elimination, subtract y on both sides of the first equation: $2x=-y+12\\x=y-3$

Now we are able to use elimination. To eliminate the y variable, add the two equations together to get $3x=9$ . From here we can solve for x.

For this, just divide both sides by 3 and your first answer will be $x=3$

Now that we have the value of x, substitute it into either equation to solve for y:

$2*3+y=12\\6+y=12\\y=6\\\\3=y-3\\6=y$

In short, x = 3 and y = 6.