Question

Solve the system of linear equations by elimination.

3x+2y=3
3x−2y=−9
What is x and what is y?

Answer 1

3x+2y=3
3x-2y=-9

6x=-6
x=-1

3(-1)+2y=3
-3+2y=3
2y=6
y=3

Answer 2

(- 1, 3 )

Explanation:

Given the 2 equations

3x + 2y = 3 → (1)

3x - 2y = - 9 → (2)

Adding the 2 equations term by term will eliminate the term in y

(3x + 3x) + (2y - 2y) = (3 - 9), that is

6x = - 6 ( divide both sides by 6 )

x = - 1

Substitute x = - 1 in either of the 2 equations and solve for y

Substituting in (1)

3(- 1) + 2y = 3

- 3 + 2y = 3 ( add 3 to both sides )

2y = 6 ( divide both sides by 2 )

y = 3

Solution is (- 1, 3 )