Final answer:
The strategy that eliminates a variable in the given system of equations is A) Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by -7, then add the equations. This strategy removes the variable x, leaving a single variable equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To eliminate a variable in the system of equations {-7x + 2y = 5, 3x - 5y = -5}, we must manipulate the equations such that adding or subtracting them will result in one variable being canceled out. Let's evaluate the given strategies:
- A) Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by -7, then add the equations. Multiplying the first equation by 3 gives us: -21x + 6y = 15. Multiplying the second equation by -7 gives us: -21x + 35y = 35. Adding these together: -21x + 6y + (-21x + 35y) = 15 + 35, which simplifies to: 41y = 50. This step eliminates x, leaving us with a single variable equation.
- B) Add the two equations together. This would be: (-7x + 2y) + (3x - 5y) = 5 - 5, which simplifies to -4x - 3y = 0. This does not eliminate any variable, since both x and y are still present.
- C) Subtract the second equation from the first equation. This gives us: (-7x + 2y) - (3x - 5y) = 5 - (-5), simplifying to -10x + 7y = 10. Again, no variable is eliminated.
- D) Divide both equations by 5. This action will not eliminate any variable, it will just simplify each equation.
Therefore, the correct strategy to eliminate a variable is A) Multiply the first equation by 3 and the second equation by -7, then add the equations.