Question

A student is using the elimination method to solve the system of equations below. What is the best first

step?
4x - 5y = 2
2x + y = -3

Answer 1

The best first step would be to multiply the second equation by -2

Explanation:

The best first step would be to multiply the second equation by -2

then you would have the following

`\ \ \ \ \ \ 4x - 5y = 2 \\-2*(2x)+ (-2)*y = (-2)*3`

and when you multiply it is easy to eliminate because you will get

`4x - 5y = 2 \\-4x -2y = 6`

and if you sum the equations you get

-7y = 8

so that is a single variable equation which is easier to solve.