what are the steps, in order, to solve the system of equations

-7x-2y=-13 x-2y=11

1 answer

1. Identify the coefficients and constants of both equations.

Equation 1: -7x - 2y = -13
Equation 2: x - 2y = 11

2. Choose a variable to eliminate. In this case, the y variable is the easiest to eliminate.

3. Multiply both sides of Equation 1 by -1.

-1(-7x - 2y) = -1(-13)
7x + 2y = 13

Now we have:

Equation 1: 7x + 2y = 13
Equation 2: x - 2y = 11

4. Add Equation 2 to Equation 1.

(7x + 2y) + (x - 2y) = 13 + 11
8x = 24

5. Divide both sides of the resulting equation by 8 to solve for x.

8x/8 = 24/8
x = 3

6. Substitute the value of x back into one of the original equations to solve for y. Let's use Equation 2.

3 - 2y = 11

7. Rearrange the equation to solve for y.

-2y = 11 - 3
-2y = 8

8. Divide both sides of the equation by -2 to solve for y.

y = 8/-2
y = -4

Therefore, the solution to the system of equations is x = 3, y = -4.