Question 170166
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+2x=17.85}}} Start with the given equation



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



{{{y=(17.85-2x)/5}}} Divide both sides by 5 to isolate y



So the solution is {{{y=(17.85-2x)/5}}}. 




---------------------------------------------



Solving for x:


{{{5y+2x=17.85}}} Start with the given equation



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



{{{x=(17.85-5y)/2}}} Divide both sides by 5 to isolate y



So the solution is {{{x=(17.85-5y)/2}}}. 



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