Math Problem Statement

Solve the system of equations using elimination: 7x - 5y = 15 and -x + 2y = -15

Solution

To solve the given system of equations using the elimination method, let's look at the equations:

  1. 7x5y=157x - 5y = 15
  2. x+2y=15-x + 2y = -15

Step 1: Align the Equations

The equations are already aligned as follows: 7x5y=157x - 5y = 15 x+2y=15-x + 2y = -15

Step 2: Eliminate One Variable

To eliminate xx, we can multiply the second equation by 77 to match the coefficient of xx in the first equation.

So, multiply the second equation by 77: 7x+14y=105-7x + 14y = -105

Now we have: 7x5y=157x - 5y = 15 7x+14y=105-7x + 14y = -105

Step 3: Add the Equations

Adding these two equations will eliminate xx: (7x5y)+(7x+14y)=15105(7x - 5y) + (-7x + 14y) = 15 - 105 0x+9y=900x + 9y = -90 9y=909y = -90

Step 4: Solve for yy

Divide both sides by 99: y=10y = -10

Step 5: Substitute yy Back to Find xx

Now that we know y=10y = -10, substitute it into one of the original equations. Let's use the second equation: x+2(10)=15-x + 2(-10) = -15 x20=15-x - 20 = -15 x=5-x = 5 x=5x = -5

Solution

The solution to the system is: (x,y)=(5,10)(x, y) = (-5, -10)

Would you like further details on any steps or have additional questions?


Here are five related questions to further explore this concept:

  1. How does the elimination method compare to the substitution method in solving systems of equations?
  2. What would happen if the coefficients of xx or yy did not align as easily?
  3. Can systems of equations sometimes have no solution or infinitely many solutions?
  4. How can we determine which variable is easier to eliminate when solving a system?
  5. What are some real-life applications where solving systems of equations is necessary?

Tip: When using elimination, always check if the coefficients can be adjusted easily by multiplication to simplify the process of adding or subtracting the equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Systems of Linear Equations
Elimination Method

Formulas

Elimination method in systems of equations

Theorems

Addition property of equality

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 8-10