Question

Which is the best first step in solving the system shown using the elimination method?

7x - 10y = 12
18y - x = 11
a) Multiply each term in 7x - 10y = 12 by -10.
b) Multiply each term in 18y - x = 11 by 10.
c) Rewrite the equations so like variable terms are in the same order.
d) None of the above.

Answer 1

The best first step in solving the system using the elimination method is to rearrange the equations so that the like variable terms are in the same order. In this case, we can start by rearranging the second equation to have the x term first and the y term second.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best first step in solving the system using the elimination method is to rewrite the equations so that the like variable terms are in the same order. In this case, we can start by rearranging the second equation to have the x term first and the y term second.

The original system is:

7x - 10y = 12

18y - x = 11

Rewriting the equations:

-x + 18y = 11

Now that the like variable terms are in the same order, we can proceed with the elimination method.