Question

Solve the equation to find the value of m and n.
2m + 3n = -5
5m + 3n = 1

Answer 1

Explanation:

2m + 3n = -5

5m + 3n = 1

(Multiply each equation by a suitable number so that the two equations have the same leading coefficient)

6m + 9n = -15

15m + 9n = 3

(Subtract the second equation from the first)

15m- 6m = -15-3

-9m= -18

-9m/-9= -18/-9

m= 2

(Solve this new equation for m)

5(2) +3n = 1

10+3n=1

3n=1-10

3n=-9

3n/3 = -9/3

n= -3

(Substitute m = 2 into either Equation 1 or Equation 2 above and solve for n )

Answer 2

m = 2, n = - 3

Explanation:

Given the 2 equations

2m + 3n = - 5 → (1)

5m + 3n = 1 → (2)

Subtract (2) from (1) term by term to eliminate n

2m - 5m = - 5 - 1

- 3m = - 6 ( divide both sides by - 3 )

m = 2

Substitute m = 2 into either of the 2 equations and solve for n

Substituting into (1)

2(2) + 3n = - 5

4 + 3n = - 5 ( subtract 4 from both sides )

3n = - 9 ( divide both sides by 3 )

n = - 3