SOLUTION: Please help: Find the values of x and y that solve the following system of equations: 5x + 7y = -1 7x + 3y = -15

Question 299401: Please help: Find the values of x and y that solve the following system of equations:
5x + 7y = -1
7x + 3y = -15
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the given system of equations:

Multiply the both sides of the first equation by 3.

Distribute and multiply.

Multiply the both sides of the second equation by -7.

Distribute and multiply.

So we have the new system of equations:

Now add the equations together. You can do this by simply adding the two left sides and the two right sides separately like this:

Group like terms.

Combine like terms.

Simplify.

Divide both sides by to isolate .

Reduce.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Now go back to the first equation.

Plug in .

Multiply.

Add to both sides.

Combine like terms on the right side.

Divide both sides by to isolate .

Reduce.

So the solutions are and .

Which form the ordered pair

.

This means that the system is consistent and independent.

Notice when we graph the equations, we see that they intersect at

. So this visually verifies our answer.

Graph of (red) and (green)

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