Question

Select the best possible first step to solving the system by first eliminating the x variable.

4x + 9y = 21
3x - 8y = 1

Answer 1

x = 5.25 + -2.25y

Explanation:

4x + 9y = 21

Solving for variable 'x'.

Move all terms containing x to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '-9y' to each side of the equation.

4x + 9y + -9y = 21 + -9y

Combine like terms: 9y + -9y = 0

4x + 0 = 21 + -9y

4x = 21 + -9y

Divide each side by '4'.

x = 5.25 + -2.25y

No need to simplify. :)