SOLUTION: A student is using the elimination method to solve the system of equations below. What is the best first step? 4x

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Question 1015626: A student is using the elimination method to solve the system of equations below. What is the best first step?

4x - 5y = 2
2x + y = -3

Found 3 solutions by Alan3354, stanbon, Fombitz:
Answer by Alan3354(69443)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A student is using the elimination method to solve the system of equations below. What is the best first step?

4x - 5y = 2
2x + y = -3
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Either multiply the 2nd eqn by 2 or by 5.
Makes no difference.

Answer by stanbon(75887)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4x - 5y = 2
2x + y = -3
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You have a choice::
1) If you want to solve for "y", Multiply thru the bottom
equation by 2.
--
2) I you want to solve for "x", Multiply thru the bottom
equation by 5.
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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Answer by Fombitz(32388)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Not sure there's a "best" first step but here are two equivalent first steps.
Multiply the second equation by 5 to eliminate y.
or
Multiply the second equation by -2 to eliminate x.

SOLUTION: A student is using the elimination method to solve the system of equations below. What is the best first step? 4x - 5y = 2 2x + y = -3