SOLUTION: Hi there, I've been having some trouble understanding the directions to one of the problems in my worksheet: For Problem's 21-40, first transform the equations so that either t

Question 449518: Hi there,
I've been having some trouble understanding the directions to one of the problems in my worksheet:
For Problem's 21-40, first transform the equations so that either the x-coefficients or the y-coefficients are opposite. Then solve by the linear combination method.
I have provided number 21 to use as an example:
3x+5y=17
2x+3y=11
I have tried solving for x by multiplying each equation by the opposite of the x-coefficient. Ex: (2)3x+5y=17
(3)2x+3y=11
I wasn't sure if what I was doing was correct. Can you clarify? Thank you.
Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you are on the right track

they want you to multiply by quantities so that either the x or y coefficients in the two equations will have the same values but opposite signs,
so they will be eliminated during linear combination (adding the equations)

just change one of your multiplication quantities to a negative (you won't always have to do this)
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