Question

How do I solve this equation to eliminate x 4x-6y -8x+2y=1?

Answer 1

Reduce it first, then put x in terms of y. In many equations complete "elimination" is neither possible nor desirable.

Explanation:

`4x - 6y - 8x + 2y = 1` ; `-4x - 4y = 1`

`-x - y = 1/4` ; `x + y = -1/4`

`x = -1/4 - y`
NOW you can put this back into the original expression:

`-4(-1/4 - y) - 4y = 1`

`1 + 4y - 4y = 1` That, of course, is the "trivial solution".
The real solution is a SET of values satisfying the reduced expression equation.
`x + y = -1/4` ; `x = -1/4 - y` ; or `y = -1/4 - x`