Question

What would you do to solve the system?

System of equations
Click on the correct answer.
12x = 48 - 8y
10x + 8y = 38
?
Add the equations.
12x = 48 - 8y
10x = 38 - By
Subtract the equations.
3. To decide whether to add or subtract,
determine if the values of the
coefficients are the same or opposites:
. If the values are the same, subtract the
equations.
• If the values are opposites or additive
inverses, add the equations.
Remember, you're trying to remove one
variable.

Answer 1

To decide whether to add or subtract, determine if the values of the coefficients are the same or opposites:

. If the values are the same, subtract the equations.

• If the values are opposites or additive inverses, add the equations.

Explanation:

Given

`12x = 48 - 8y`

`10x + 8y = 38`

Required

How to solve

Options (1) and (2) are incorrect because none of the options eliminate x or y.

For option (3),

- Check for the coefficients of x and y

- If they are the same (sign and value), then subtract; otherwise add

For instance:

`12x = 48 - 8y`

`10x + 8y = 38`

Rewrite the second equation

`12x = 48 - 8y`

`10x = 38 - 8y`

The coefficient of y are the same, so we subtract;

`12x - 10x = 48 - 38 -8y -(-8y)`

`12x - 10x = 48 - 38 -8y +8y`

`2x = 10`

`x= 5`

See that y has been eliminated