Question 81230: Could you please help me out with this problem. Math is so hard and confusing to me.
4x-12y=5
-x+3y=-1 Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 4x-12y=5
-x+3y=-1
-----------
You can solve the system by elimination, as follows:
Multiply thru the 2nd equation by 4 to get:
-4x+12y = -4
-----------
Add that to the 1st equation to get rid of the x terms:
You get 0x+0y = 1
This says 0 = 1 which is incorrect.
Comment: Why did this happen? You assumed the x's and the y's
in both equations meant the same number. That assumption led
to the contradiction. You have to conclude the x's and the y's
do not mean the same number in these two equations. The
systme is called "inconsistent" and has no solution.
=============
Cheers,
Stan H.
(