Statement #1 is correct.
To determine if two lines are parallel, you need to verify that they have the same slope but different y-intercepts. In the equations given:
- \( y = 23x + 7 \) (slope of 23, y-intercept of 7)
- \( y = 23x - 5 \) (slope of 23, y-intercept of -5)
Both lines have the same slope (23), but different y-intercepts (7 and -5). This confirms that the lines are indeed parallel.
Therefore, Marco should verify that the lines have the same slope but different y-intercepts, making Statement #1 the correct choice.