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If 5b=6a+16 and 9a=7b-20, then what are the values of a and b? show work.

can someone help me pls

User Tchatow
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1 Answer

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12 votes

Answer:

a = 4, b = 8

Explanation:

Rewrite 5b=6a+16 and 9a=7b-20 vertically:

5b=6a+16

9a=7b-20

Let's use substitution. Solve the first equation for b:

6a + 16

b = --------------

5

Substitute this result into the second equation:

9a = 7(b) + 16, or

6a + 16

9a = 7*-------------- - 20

5

Eliminate the fraction by multiplying all three terms by 5:

45a = 7(6a + 16) - 100, or

3a = 112 - 100, or:

3a = 12, which leads to a = 4.

Find b by subbing 4 for a in either of the given equations:

5b = 6(4) + 16, or

5b = 40, leading to b = 8

The solution is a = 4, b = 8

User Bioz Nguyen
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