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document.write( "The very first step is to choose a variable to solve for. Traditionally, I always solve for \"y\" first, and then I'll solve for \"x\". Here's the problem, step by step:
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document.write( "x + y = 4x - y = 5 {Here, I'll solve for \"y\"}
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document.write( "x + y = 5 {Remember that the problem establishes that each part of the problem containing variables are equal to \"5\"}
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document.write( "y = 5 - x
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document.write( "4x - y = 5 {Again, each part containing variables is equal to \"5\"}
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document.write( "4x - (5 - x) = 5 {We solved for \"y\" earlier, so now we plug it in to the equation to solve for \"x\"}
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document.write( "5x - 5 = 5
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document.write( "5x = 10
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document.write( "x = 2
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document.write( "y = 5 - x {Go back to how we solved for \"y\" and plug in the value for \"x\"}
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document.write( "y = 5 - 2
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document.write( "y = 3
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document.write( "Presto: x = 2, and y = 3. Problem solved! The important step is to isolate one of the variables first and solve for it. Then you can plug and chug your way to answer. Hope this helps.
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