Question

Write a system of equations and solve. Three times the first number minus two times the second number equals -7. The second number equals one less than negative three times the first number.

Answer 1

• -1 and 2

Explanation:

Let the numbers be x and y

Three times the first number minus two times the second number equals -7:

• 3x - 2y = -7

The second number equals one less than negative three times the first number:

• y = -3x - 1

Substitute y in the first equation and solve for x:

• 3x - 2(-3x - 1) = -7
• 3x + 6x + 2 = -7
• 9x = -9
• x = -1

Find the value of y:

• y = -3(-1) - 1
• y = 3 - 1
• y = 2

The numbers are -1 and 2