Question

How do you solve the system of equations `-3x+4y=-47` and `-3x+2y=-19` by combining the equations?

Answer 1

`x=-3, y=-14.`

Explanation:

By subtracting the two equations we can eliminate x, and thus find our y value.

`-3x + 4y = -47`
`-(-3x +2y = -19)`

`2y = -28`
`y = -14`

Now apply the y value in either equation. We'll use `-3x + 4y = -47`.

`-3x + (4*-14) = -47`
`-3x -56 = -47`
`-3x = 9`
`x = -3`

`x=-3, y=-14.`