Question

A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.

Answer 1

Answer and Step-by-step explanation:

Here is the complete question:

A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.

9x – 2y = – 75

2x – 2y = -12

Add to eliminate x. Add to eliminate y. Subtract to eliminate y. Subtract to eliminate x.

The correct step to take as the first step is subtract to eliminate y, because the coefficient of y are the same and are carrying the same sign. Doing that we have:

9x – 2x –2y – (–2y) = –75 – (–12)

7x –2y + 2y = –63

7x = –63

Therefore, the correct step is subtracting to eliminate y.