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| Question 147516:  I had help with a previous question, and it was not a solvable problem.  I need to see the steps on how the elimination process is done.  Could you please help?
 7r-4s=7
 4r+7s=69
 I need to solve using the elimination method. I think I need to solve for x, and use that answer in the 2nd equation.  Your help is greatly apprecieated.
 Answer by Alan3354(69443)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 7r-4s=7  eqn 1 4r+7s=69 eqn 2
 This is 2 equations in 2 unknowns, r and s. You can solve for both r and s.
 To eliminate one of the variables, you multiply both eqns by a number that will give the same coefficient for one of the variables. This is similar to finding the LCD, Least Common Denominator.
 To eliminate the r terms, multiply eqn 1 by 4 and eqn 2 by 7.
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 28r - 16s = 28
 28r + 49s = 483
 Subtract (2) from (1)
 0r - 65s = -455
 s = 7
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 Substitute s into either eqn to find r.
 7r -4*7 = 7
 7r = 35
 r = 5
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 Check both eqns.
 7*5 - 4*7 = 7 so eqn 1 is good.
 4*5 + 7*7 = 69 so they both check.
 
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