How many solutions does the system of equations #5x - 4y = - 8# and #17x + 3y = - 12# have?

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Answer 1 · 2018-02-08T17:15:06

There is one solution to the system, but 2 answers (x and y).

Solve first by getting a common base (same coefficient)

#5x-4y=-8# to #15x-12y=-24# (multiply by 3)

#17x+3y=-12# to #68x+12y=-48# (multiply by 4)

Solve with elimination (add the 2 equations together):

#83x=-72#

#(83x)/83=(-72)/83#

#x=-72/83#

#5*(-72/83)-4y=-8#

#-4y~~4.34#

#y~~1.084#

There is one solution to the system, but 2 answers (x and y)