Elimination Method 1. Add or subtract the given equations to eliminate one variable. y term may be eliminated, if the first equation is multiply by -7 7(5x + y = -2) 4x + 7y = 2 _____________ -35x - 7y = 14 4x + 7y = 2 _______________ -31x = 16 x = -16/31 2. Replace the value of the known variable in one of the original equations to find the value of the unknown variable. 4x + 7y = 2, x = -16/31 4(-16/31) + 7y = 2 -64/31 + 7y = 2 7y = 126/31 y = 18/31 4. Check the solution in both original equation. 5x + y = -2, x = -16/31, y = 18/31 5(-16/31) + 18/31 = -2 -80/31 + 18/31 = -2 -62/21 = -2 -2 = -2 ----------->> True 4x + 7y = 2, x = -16/31, y = 18/31 4(-16/31)+7(18/31) = 2 -64/31 + 126/31 = 2 62/31 = 2 2 = 2 ------------>> True Check the graphThere is a unique solution, (-16/31, 18,31)