2 x + 4 y = 24. 5 x + y = 15.
As the first step, he decided to solve for x in the first equation because it has a small, even number for the coefficient. Jill told him there was a more efficient way. What reason can Jill give for her statement?
The variable y in the second equation has a coefficient of one so there will be fewer steps to the solution.
The variable x in the second equation has a coefficient of 5 so it will be easy to divide 15 by 5.
The variable y in the first equation is divisible by 2 so it will be the most efficient way to start.
The variable y in the first equation has a larger even number. When dividing by 4, the solution will be a smaller number.
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Jill can say that "the variable y in the second equation has a coefficient of one so there will be fewer steps to the solution."
This is because when y has a coefficient of 1, it allows us to solve for y directly with fewer operations. In contrast, solving for x in the first equation would involve more manipulation since x has a coefficient of 2, which may require additional steps to isolate. Therefore, starting with the second equation is more efficient.
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