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When solving the following system of equations, which variable would be the easiest to solve for? 5x+3y=22 4x-2y=16

User Denis Ibaev
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2 Answers

12 votes
12 votes

Answer: x of first equation

Explanation:

User McKinley
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17 votes
17 votes

Variable x would be easier to solve for.

Step - by - Step Explanation

What to find?

• The value of x.

,

• The value of y.

,

• The variable that was easier to solve.

Given:

5x+3y=22

4x-2y=16

Using elimination method,

First solve for x.

To solve for x, multiply through the first equation by 2 and then multiply through the second equation by 3.

10x + 6y = 44 _____________(3)

12x - 6y = 48 ______________(4)

Add (3) and (4)

22x = 92

Divide both-side of the equation by 22

x = 92/22

Reduce the fraction by 2.

x =46 / 11

To solve for y,

Multiply through the first equation by 4 and through the second equation by 5.

20x + 12y = 88 _________________ (5)

20x - 10y = 80 __________________(6)

Subtract equation 6 from 5.

22y= 8

Divide both-side of the equation by 22.

y = 8/22

We can reduce the fraction by 2.

y = 4 / 11

Judging from the steps above, we can deduce that the variable that was easier to solve is x.

User Buck Hodges
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2.9k points