Question

Solve by elimination method. Please show step by step process.
7r-4s=-7
4r+7s=61

Answer 1

multiply the top equation by 7, and the bottome equation by 4.
Then add the equations, which will eliminate the s variable.

I will be happy to critique your work

Answer 2

7r-4s=-7 (7)
4r+7s=61 (4)

49r - 28s = -49
16r + 28s = 244
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65r = 195
195/65 = 3 (simplified) (3, is the first number of the ordered pair.)

Now this is the part that I get lost on. I know I am suppose to substitute 3 into one of the equations above, but how do I determine which one. So if I substitute 3 into the 1st equation:

7(3)-4s= -7
21 - 4s= -7
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21 = -7 would my answer be -7/21

Substitute 3 into the 2nd equation:

4(3)+7s = 61
12 + 7s = 61
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12 = 61 would my answer be 61/12

(3, is the first number of the ordered pair.)

(3,-7/21) or (3,61/12) which ordered pair is correct?