Question

To eliminate the y terms and solve for x in the fewest steps, by which constants should the equations be multiplied by before adding the equations together?

First equation: 4x − 3y = 34

Second equation: 3x + 2y = 17

1.The first equation should be multiplied by 2 and the second equation by 3.
2.The first equation should be multiplied by 2 and the second equation by −3.
3.The first equation should be multiplied by 3 and the second equation by 4.
4.The first equation should be multiplied by 3 and the second equation by −4.

Answer 1

Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 3 to eliminate y

Explanation:

First equation: 4x − 3y = 34

Second equation: 3x + 2y = 17

Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 3 to eliminate y

2( 4x − 3y = 34 ) = 8x -6y = 68

3( 3x + 2y = 17) = 9x +6y = 51

Add the equations together

8x -6y = 68

9x +6y = 51

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17 x = 119