SOLUTION: I need help solving this equation. 5y+2x=$17.85

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Question 170166: I need help solving this equation. 5y+2x=$17.85
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Whenever you have two variables, you need to have two equations to find the values of those variables. So you CANNOT find the explicit values of "x" and "y".

You can however solve for either "x" or "y". Keep in mind that these solutions will either be in terms of "x" or "y".


Solving for y:

5y%2B2x=17.85 Start with the given equation


5y=17.85-2x Subtract 2x from both sides


y=%2817.85-2x%29%2F5 Divide both sides by 5 to isolate y


So the solution is y=%2817.85-2x%29%2F5.



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Solving for x:

5y%2B2x=17.85 Start with the given equation


2x=17.85-5y Subtract 5y from both sides


x=%2817.85-5y%29%2F2 Divide both sides by 5 to isolate y


So the solution is x=%2817.85-5y%29%2F2.


Notice how neither solution was a specific number, but rather a solution in terms of the other variable.