Math Problem Statement

Solve the system of equations by elimination. If there is exactly one solution, fill in the blanks to create your ordered pair. -3x+8y=-35 and -2x+3y=-14

Solution

To solve the system of equations using the elimination method, we start with the given system:

-3x + 8y = -35 \tag{1} -2x + 3y = -14 \tag{2}

Step 1: Eliminate one of the variables

We need to manipulate the equations in such a way that when we add or subtract them, one of the variables cancels out. Let's eliminate xx.

To do this, we need to find a common coefficient for xx in both equations. The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 2 is 6. So, we will multiply equation (1) by 2 and equation (2) by 3 to make the coefficients of xx the same:

Multiply equation (1) by 2: 2(3x+8y)=2(35)2(-3x + 8y) = 2(-35) -6x + 16y = -70 \tag{3}

Multiply equation (2) by 3: 3(2x+3y)=3(14)3(-2x + 3y) = 3(-14) -6x + 9y = -42 \tag{4}

Step 2: Subtract the two equations

Now, subtract equation (4) from equation (3) to eliminate xx:

(6x+16y)(6x+9y)=70(42)(-6x + 16y) - (-6x + 9y) = -70 - (-42) 6x+16y+6x9y=70+42-6x + 16y + 6x - 9y = -70 + 42 7y=287y = -28

Step 3: Solve for yy

Now solve for yy:

y=287=4y = \frac{-28}{7} = -4

Step 4: Substitute y=4y = -4 into one of the original equations

Now that we know y=4y = -4, we can substitute this value into either of the original equations to solve for xx. We'll use equation (2):

2x+3y=14-2x + 3y = -14 Substitute y=4y = -4: 2x+3(4)=14-2x + 3(-4) = -14 2x12=14-2x - 12 = -14 2x=14+12-2x = -14 + 12 2x=2-2x = -2 x=22=1x = \frac{-2}{-2} = 1

Final Solution:

The solution to the system of equations is x=1x = 1 and y=4y = -4, so the ordered pair is:

(1,4)(1, -4)

Summary:

The ordered pair that solves the system of equations is (1,4)(1, -4).

Would you like more details or further explanations on any part of the process? Here are some related questions for you:

  1. What would happen if we used substitution instead of elimination to solve this system?
  2. How do you determine when to use elimination versus substitution in solving a system of equations?
  3. How can you verify that the solution (1,4)(1, -4) is correct for both equations?
  4. What would the solution look like if the system had no solution or infinitely many solutions?
  5. How do you solve a system of equations where both equations represent parallel lines?

Tip: When using elimination, always look for the smallest common multiple of the coefficients of one variable to simplify the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
System of Equations
Elimination Method

Formulas

Elimination method
x = (value), y = (value)

Theorems

Elimination method for solving systems of linear equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10