Solve the system using an augmented matrix.

Question

-x-3y=-17
2x-6y=-26

Can someone please explain what I am supposed to do in this problem?

Answer 1

-1 -3 | -17
2 -6 | -26

add 2x#1 to #2:

-1 -3 | -17
0 -12 | -60

subtract #2 from 4x#1:

-4 0 | -8
0 -12 | -60

Now divide so the diagonal is all 1's:

1 0 | 2
0 1 | 5

x=2, y=5