SOLUTION: Solve using the elimination method. Show your work. If the system has no solution or an infinite number of solutions, state this. 1/5x - 1/4y = 3 2/5x + 1/2y = 2 I tried thi

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations -> SOLUTION: Solve using the elimination method. Show your work. If the system has no solution or an infinite number of solutions, state this. 1/5x - 1/4y = 3 2/5x + 1/2y = 2 I tried thi      Log On


   

Question 278965: Solve using the elimination method. Show your work. If the system has no solution or an infinite number of solutions, state this.
1/5x - 1/4y = 3
2/5x + 1/2y = 2
I tried this problem on my own and was thinking that I would have to multiply the equations for example:
1/5x - 1/4y * 2/5x = 3 * 2/5x
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
system%28%281%2F5%29x+-+%281%2F4%29y+=+3%2C%0D%0A%282%2F5%29x+%2B+%281%2F2%29y+=+2%29

Clear of fractions FIRST BEFORE you try to solve the system.

Clear the first equation of fractions by multiplying
every term on both sides by LCD=red%2820%29:

red%28%2220%22%29%2A%281%2F5%29x+-+red%28%2220%22%29%2A%281%2F4%29y+=+red%28%2220%22%29%2A3

4x+-+5y+=+60

Clear the second equation of fractions by multiplying
every term on both sides by LCD=red%2810%29:



4x+%2B+5y+=+20

So now you have the easy to solve system:

system%284x+-+5y+=+60%2C%0D%0A4x+%2B+5y+=+20%29

And the solution is x=10, y=-4

Edwin