How do I get an answer right without writing it down with pencil or paper?

Digiron [165]

$\huge \boxed{\mathfrak{Question} \downarrow}$

Solve the following using Substitution method

2x – 5y = -13

3x + 4y = 15

$\large \boxed{\mathfrak{Answer \: with \: Explanation} \downarrow}$

$\left. \begin{array} { l } { 2 x - 5 y = - 13 } \\ { 3 x + 4 y = 15 } \end{array} \right.$

To solve a pair of equations using substitution, first solve one of the equations for one of the variables. Then substitute the result for that variable in the other equation.

$2x-5y=-13, \: 3x+4y=15$

Choose one of the equations and solve it for x by isolating x on the left-hand side of the equal sign. I'm choosing the 1st equation for now.

$2x-5y=-13$

$2x=5y-13$

$x=\frac{1}{2}\left(5y-13\right) \\$

$x=\frac{5}{2}y-\frac{13}{2} \\$

$3\left(\frac{5}{2}y-\frac{13}{2}\right)+4y=15 \\$

$\frac{15}{2}y-\frac{39}{2}+4y=15 \\$

$\frac{23}{2}y-\frac{39}{2}=15 \\$

$\frac{23}{2}y=\frac{69}{2} \\$

Divide both sides of the equation by 23/2, which is the same as multiplying both sides by the reciprocal of the fraction.

$\large \underline{ \underline{ \sf \: y=3 }}$

Substitute 3 for y in $x=\frac{5}{2}y-\frac{13}{2}\\$ . Because the resulting equation contains only one variable, you can solve for x directly.

$x=\frac{5}{2}\times 3-\frac{13}{2} \\$

$x=\frac{15-13}{2} \\$

Add $-\frac{13}{2}\\$ to $\frac{15}{2}\\$ by finding a common denominator and adding the numerators. Then reduce the fraction to its lowest terms if possible.