How do you solve the system x-2y=3 and 4x-8y=12 using substitution?

1 Answer
Jun 3, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

Step 1) Solve the first equation for x:

x - 2y = 3

x - 2y + color(red)(2y) = 3 + color(red)(2y)

x - 0 = 3 + 2y

x = 3 + 2y

Step 2) Substitute (3 + 2y) for x in the second equation and solve for y:

4x - 8y = 12 becomes:

4(3 + 2y) - 8y = 12

(4 * 3) + (4 * 2y) - 8y = 12

12 + 8y - 8y = 12

12 + 0 = 12

12 = 12

This indicates there is an infinite number of solutions because these lines are in fact the same line.