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Algebra I math worksheets

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Solve systems by elimination

Learning goals

  • Writes equations relating the system’s unknown quantities.
  • Solves the system by elimination.
  • Interprets the solution as a common point or common values.
  • Checks the solution in all equations.
  • Recognizes whether the system has one, none, or infinitely many solutions when relevant.

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Solve systems by elimination 1
Consider the system \(3x+2y=11\) \(-3x+y=1\). If the equations are added, which variable cancels immediately? State the resulting one-variable equation. Do not finish solving the system.

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of the same variable across the two equations. - Opposite coefficients sum to zero. - Add corresponding terms on the two sides without solving the resulting equation.

Solution

1. The x-coefficients are opposites, so adding the equations cancels \(x\). 2. The y-terms combine to \(3y\), and the constants combine to \(12\). 3. The resulting equation is \(3y=12\).

Answer

\(x\) cancels, leaving \(3y=12\).
Solve systems by elimination 2
Add the equations: (I) \(x+2y=9\) (II) \(3x-2y=7\) Which terms disappear? Write the new equation in one variable and explain why adding works here.

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of \(y\) in the two equations. - Add matching sides of the equations, term by term. - Which two terms make zero when added?

Solution

1. Add the left sides and the right sides: \((x+2y)+(3x-2y)=9+7\). 2. The \(+2y\) and \(-2y\) terms cancel because their sum is \(0\). 3. The resulting equation is \(4x=16\).

Answer

The y-terms cancel, leaving \(4x=16\), because \(2y+(-2y)=0\).
Solve systems by elimination 3
Subtract equation (II) from equation (I): (I) \(4x+y=11\) (II) \(4x-2y=5\) Which variable disappears? Find \(y\) from the new equation.

Hints

- Put parentheses around each full left side before subtracting. - A minus sign before parentheses changes every sign inside. - Be careful with the minus sign in front of \(-2y\).

Solution

1. Subtract the equations: \((4x+y)-(4x-2y)=11-5\). 2. The \(4x\) terms cancel, and \(y+2y=3y\). 3. Therefore \(3y=6\), so \(y=2\).

Answer

The x-terms cancel. \(3y=6\), so \(y=2\).
Solve systems by elimination 4
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: (I) \(3a - 4b = 18\) (II) \(a + 2b = 6\)

Hints

- How can you change one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added? - What coefficient would be the opposite of the corresponding coefficient in the other equation? - What happens to the remaining variable after you add the equations? - Check the solution in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(2\) so that the \(b\)-coefficients are opposites: \(2a + 4b = 12\). 2. Add this equation to equation (I): \((3a - 4b) + (2a + 4b) = 18 + 12\). 3. Simplify: \(5a = 30\). 4. Divide by \(5\): \(a = 6\). 5. Substitute into equation (II): \(6 + 2b = 6\). 6. Solve for \(b\): \(b = 0\). 7. The solution set is \(\{(6, 0)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(6, 0)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 5
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: (I) \(5x + 3y = 9\) (II) \(2x - 3y = 12\)

Hints

- What happens to the \(y\)-terms when you add the equations directly? - How can you make one variable disappear? - Substitute the value you find into either original equation to determine the other variable.

Solution

1. Add equations (I) and (II): \(7x = 21\). 2. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 3\). 3. Substitute into equation (I): \(5 \cdot 3 + 3y = 9\). 4. Solve for \(y\): \(15 + 3y = 9\), so \(3y = -6\) and \(y = -2\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(3, -2)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, -2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 6
Solve the following system of linear equations by elimination: (I) \(3x + 2y = 7\) (II) \(9x - 4y = 1\)

Hints

- Can you multiply one equation so that one pair of coefficients becomes opposite? - What common multiple can you use for the coefficients of \(y\)? - Multiply every term in an equation by the same number.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\): \(6x + 4y = 14\). 2. Add this equation to equation (II): \(15x = 15\). 3. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 1\). 4. Substitute into equation (I): \(3 \cdot 1 + 2y = 7\). 5. Solve for \(y\): \(3 + 2y = 7\), so \(y = 2\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(1, 2)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(1, 2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 7
Solve the following system by elimination. Briefly describe your first step for eliminating one variable. (I) \(4x + 9y = 1\) (II) \(2x - 3y = 8\)

Hints

- Can you multiply one equation so that a coefficient becomes the opposite of the corresponding coefficient in the other equation? - How are the \(y\)-coefficients \(9\) and \(-3\) related? - Alternatively, how are the \(x\)-coefficients \(4\) and \(2\) related?

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(3\) to eliminate \(y\): \(6x - 9y = 24\). 2. Add this equation to equation (I): \(10x = 25\), so \(x = 2.5\). 3. Substitute into equation (II): \(2 \cdot 2.5 - 3y = 8\). Then \(-3y = 3\), so \(y = -1\).

Answer

One efficient first step is to multiply equation (II) by \(3\), which creates opposite \(y\)-coefficients. The solution is \((2.5, -1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 8
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: (I) \(3x + 4y = 12\) (II) \(1.5x + 2y = 15\)

Hints

- Multiply one equation so that the variable coefficients match those in the other equation. - What does a false statement such as \(0 = 5\) mean after all variables cancel? - Could the two equations represent distinct parallel lines?

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(2\): \(3x + 4y = 30\). 2. Subtract the transformed equation (II) from equation (I): \((3x + 4y) - (3x + 4y) = 12 - 30\). 3. This gives \(0 = -18\), which is false. 4. Therefore, the system is inconsistent and has no solution. The solution set is \(\emptyset\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\emptyset\).
Solve systems by elimination 9
Solve the following system by elimination: (I) \(0.5x + 1.2y = 4\) (II) \(x - 0.4y = 1\)

Hints

- The elimination process is unchanged when coefficients are decimals. - Can you multiply one equation so that one pair of decimal coefficients becomes opposite? - Choose a multiplier that makes one variable cancel when the equations are added.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(3\): \(3x - 1.2y = 3\). 2. Add this equation to equation (I): \(3.5x = 7\). 3. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 2\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(2 - 0.4y = 1\). 5. Solve for \(y\): \(0.4y = 1\), so \(y = 2.5\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, 2.5)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, 2.5)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 10
Consider the following system: (I) \(5x - 3y = 9\) (II) \(2x + 3y = 12\) a) Explain why elimination is especially efficient. b) Solve the system.

Hints

- What happens to the \(y\)-terms when you add the equations? - What is the sum of two numbers with equal magnitude and opposite signs? - After finding one variable, how can you find the other?

Solution

1. The \(y\)-coefficients, \(-3\) and \(3\), are opposites, so the \(y\)-terms cancel when the equations are added. 2. Add the equations: \(7x = 21\). 3. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(2 \cdot 3 + 3y = 12\), so \(3y = 6\) and \(y = 2\). 5. The solution is \((3, 2)\).

Answer

a) The \(y\)-coefficients are opposites, so \(y\) cancels immediately when the equations are added. b) The solution is \((3, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 11
Solve the following system of linear equations by elimination: (I) \(4x - 3y = 11\) (II) \(2x + 5y = -1\)

Hints

- Which pair of coefficients can be made opposites with one simple multiplication? - Pay close attention to signs when adding the equations. - Check the ordered pair in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(-2\): \(-4x - 10y = 2\). 2. Add this equation to equation (I): \(-13y = 13\). 3. Divide by \(-13\): \(y = -1\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(2x + 5(-1) = -1\). 5. Solve for \(x\): \(2x - 5 = -1\), so \(x = 2\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 12
Solve the following system by elimination: (I) \(0.4x - 0.3y = 1.8\) (II) \(0.2x + 0.5y = 2.2\)

Hints

- Can you multiply one equation so that one variable cancels when the equations are added? - Multiplying both equations by \(10\) is another way to remove decimal coefficients. - After finding one variable, substitute it into an original equation to find the other.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(-2\): \(-0.4x - 1.0y = -4.4\). 2. Add this equation to equation (I): \(-1.3y = -2.6\). 3. Divide by \(-1.3\): \(y = 2\). 4. Substitute into equation (I): \(0.4x - 0.3 \cdot 2 = 1.8\), so \(0.4x = 2.4\) and \(x = 6\).

Answer

The solution is \((6, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 13
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 3x + 2y = 7 \\ 5x - y = 3 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Can you multiply one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added? - Which number should multiply the second equation? - After finding one variable, substitute it into an original equation. - Check the ordered pair in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the second equation by \(2\): \(10x - 2y = 6\). 2. Add this equation to the first equation: \(13x = 13\). 3. Divide by \(13\): \(x = 1\). 4. Substitute \(x = 1\) into the second original equation: \(5(1) - y = 3\). 5. Solve for \(y\): \(5 - y = 3\), so \(y = 2\). 6. The solution is \((1, 2)\).

Answer

The solution is \((1, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 14
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 2x + 3y = 12 \\ 4x - y = 10 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Can you change one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added? - Which multiple of a coefficient would be useful? - What happens when the second equation is multiplied by an appropriate number? - Is it easier to eliminate \(x\) or \(y\)?

Solution

1. Multiply the second equation by \(3\): \(12x - 3y = 30\). 2. Add this equation to the first equation: \(14x = 42\). 3. Divide by \(14\): \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute \(x = 3\) into the second original equation: \(4(3) - y = 10\). 5. Solve: \(12 - y = 10\), so \(y = 2\).

Answer

The solution is \((3, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 15
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x}{2} + y = 7 \\ \frac{x}{2} - y = 1 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- What happens when the equations are added directly? - Can one variable be eliminated without first multiplying either equation? - Use the first value you find to calculate the other variable.

Solution

1. Add the equations to eliminate \(y\): \((\frac{x}{2} + y) + (\frac{x}{2} - y) = 7 + 1\). 2. Simplify: \(x = 8\). 3. Substitute \(x = 8\) into the first equation: \(\frac{8}{2} + y = 7\). 4. Solve: \(4 + y = 7\), so \(y = 3\).

Answer

The solution is \((8, 3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 16
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} 0.4x + \frac{1}{2}y = 10 \\ 0.2x - \frac{3}{4}y = -3 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Can one equation be multiplied so that a variable cancels when the equations are added? - You may also clear the decimals and fractions before using elimination. - After finding one variable, substitute to find the other.

Solution

1. Multiply the second equation by \(-2\): \(-0.4x + 1.5y = 6\). 2. Add this equation to the first equation: \(2y = 16\). 3. Solve: \(y = 8\). 4. Substitute \(y = 8\) into the first equation: \(0.4x + 4 = 10\). 5. Solve: \(0.4x = 6\), so \(x = 15\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(15, 8)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(15, 8)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 17
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x - y = 7 \\ 2x + 3y = 7 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added. - Which multiplier for the first equation will eliminate \(y\)? - Check the result in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(3\): \(12x - 3y = 21\). 2. Add it to the second equation: \(14x = 28\). 3. Solve: \(x = 2\). 4. Substitute into \(4x - y = 7\): \(8 - y = 7\), so \(y = 1\). 5. The solution is \((2, 1)\).

Answer

The solution is \((2, 1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 18
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 5x + 8y + 11 = 0 \\ 15x + 4y - 7 = 0 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added. - What multiplier for the second equation creates opposite \(y\)-coefficients? - Substitute the first value you find to determine the other. - Check the ordered pair in both equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the second equation by \(-2\): \(-30x - 8y + 14 = 0\). 2. Add it to the first equation: \(-25x + 25 = 0\). 3. Solve: \(x = 1\). 4. Substitute into the first equation: \(5(1) + 8y + 11 = 0\). 5. Solve: \(16 + 8y = 0\), so \(y = -2\). 6. The solution is \((1, -2)\).

Answer

The solution is \((1, -2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 19
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3}y = 7 \\ \frac{1}{2}x - \frac{1}{6}y = 1 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- What happens when one equation is subtracted from the other? - Use a common denominator to combine the fractional coefficients. - Can a variable be eliminated without first scaling either equation? - Check the result in both original equations.

Solution

1. Subtract the second equation from the first to eliminate \(x\): \(\frac{1}{3}y - (-\frac{1}{6}y) = 7 - 1\). 2. Combine the fractions: \(\frac{1}{2}y = 6\), so \(y = 12\). 3. Substitute \(y = 12\) into the first equation: \(\frac{1}{2}x + 4 = 7\). 4. Solve: \(\frac{1}{2}x = 3\), so \(x = 6\). 5. The solution is \((6, 12)\).

Answer

The solution is \((6, 12)\).
Solve systems by elimination 20
A museum ships two kinds of containers: artifact cases and pedestal crates. One shipment has \(4\) artifact cases and \(3\) pedestal crates with a total weight of \(650\,\text{lb}\). Another has \(7\) artifact cases and \(3\) pedestal crates with a total weight of \(890\,\text{lb}\). Use elimination to find the weight of each kind of container.

Hints

- Which terms already have matching coefficients in the two equations? - After one variable is removed, how can the remaining equation determine one container weight? - Check whether the two weights reproduce both shipment totals.

Solution

1. Let \(a\) be the weight of one artifact case and \(p\) the weight of one pedestal crate. The system is (I) \(4a+3p=650\) (II) \(7a+3p=890\). 2. Subtract equation (I) from equation (II): \(3a=240\), so \(a=80\). 3. Substitute into equation (I): \(4\cdot 80+3p=650\), so \(3p=330\) and \(p=110\).

Answer

Each artifact case weighs \(80\,\text{lb}\), and each pedestal crate weighs \(110\,\text{lb}\).
Solve systems by elimination 21
The ordered pair \((x, y)\) satisfies (I) \(4x+y=17\) (II) \(-2x+3y=1\). Without finding \(x\) and \(y\) separately, determine the value of \(2x+4y\). Show the equation combination that gives the result.

Hints

- Compare the requested expression with the coefficients in the two given equations. - Consider whether a direct combination can produce the requested coefficients. - There is no need to determine either coordinate individually.

Solution

1. Add equations (I) and (II): \((4x+y)+(-2x+3y)=17+1\). 2. The left side simplifies to \(2x+4y\), so \(2x+4y=18\).

Answer

\(2x+4y=18\).
Solve systems by elimination 22
Solve by elimination: \(x+y=5\) \(x-y=1\).

Hints

- Look for coefficients that are already opposites. - Combine the equations before doing any rearrangement. - After one variable is known, use either original equation for the other coordinate.

Solution

1. Add the equations. The y-terms cancel, giving \(2x=6\). 2. Thus \(x=3\). 3. Substitute into either original equation to get \(y=2\).

Answer

\((3,2)\)
Solve systems by elimination 23
Solve by eliminating one variable: (I) \(2x+y=9\) (II) \(2x+3y=15\) Subtract one equation from the other. Write the equation left after subtraction, then find both values.

Hints

- Both equations begin with the same \(2x\) term. - Subtraction can remove that term. - After finding \(y\), use one original equation to find \(x\).

Solution

1. Subtract (I) from (II): \((2x+3y)-(2x+y)=15-9\). 2. This gives \(2y=6\), so \(y=3\). 3. Substitute into (I): \(2x+3=9\), so \(x=3\). 4. The solution is \((3,3)\).

Answer

After subtraction: \(2y=6\). Solution: \((3,3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 24
Solve by elimination: (I) \(x+2y=10\) (II) \(3x-2y=6\) The y-terms cancel if you add the equations. Write the equation left after addition, then find the ordered pair.

Hints

- Align terms with the same variable before combining the equations. - Add the left sides and the right sides separately. - Put the known x-value into either original equation.

Solution

1. Add (I) and (II): \(4x=16\). 2. Then \(x=4\). 3. Use (I): \(4+2y=10\), so \(2y=6\) and \(y=3\). 4. Check (II): \(3\cdot4-2\cdot3=6\).

Answer

After addition: \(4x=16\). Solution: \((4,3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 25
Solve by elimination: (I) \(-3x+y=2\) (II) \(3x+2y=10\) Show the one-variable equation left after elimination. Give both values as exact numbers.

Hints

- Compare the coefficients before choosing whether to add or subtract. - Combine like terms after the variable cancels. - Check the ordered pair in both original equations before answering.

Solution

1. Add the equations. The x-terms cancel, leaving \(3y=12\). 2. Thus \(y=4\). 3. In (I), \(-3x+4=2\), so \(-3x=-2\) and \(x=\frac{2}{3}\). 4. The solution is \(\left(\frac{2}{3},4\right)\).

Answer

After addition: \(3y=12\). Solution: \(\left(\frac{2}{3},4\right)\).
Solve systems by elimination 26
At a museum, two adult tickets and one child ticket cost \(\$19\). Two adult tickets and three child tickets cost \(\$29\). Write two equations and subtract them to eliminate one variable. Show the equation left after subtraction, then find both ticket prices.

Hints

- Use one variable for each ticket price. - Ticket counts are coefficients; ticket prices are the unknowns. - Compare the left sides: which terms would disappear if you subtracted them?

Solution

1. Let \(a\) be the adult price and \(c\) the child price. Then \(2a+c=19\) and \(2a+3c=29\). 2. Subtract the first equation from the second: \(2c=10\), so \(c=5\). 3. Substitute into \(2a+c=19\): \(2a+5=19\), so \(a=7\). 4. Adult tickets cost \(\$7\); child tickets cost \(\$5\).

Answer

\(2a+c=19\) and \(2a+3c=29\). After subtraction: \(2c=10\). Adult ticket: \(\$7\). Child ticket: \(\$5\).
Solve systems by elimination 27
Solve by elimination: (I) \(x+2y=4\) (II) \(2x-y=3\) Multiply only one equation before combining them. Show the multiplied equation and the result after elimination.

Hints

- Look for coefficients that could become opposites after scaling just one equation. - Multiply the entire equation, not only one term. - Substitute the value found after elimination into an original equation.

Solution

1. Multiply (II) by \(2\): \(4x-2y=6\). 2. Add to (I): \(5x=10\), so \(x=2\). 3. From (II), \(4-y=3\), so \(y=1\). 4. Both originals hold for \((2,1)\).

Answer

Double (II): \(4x-2y=6\). After addition: \(5x=10\). Solution: \((2,1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 28
Neither variable cancels yet: (I) \(2x+3y=13\) (II) \(3x+2y=12\) Solve by elimination. Write both multiplied equations and the new equation after \(x\) cancels.

Hints

- Find a common multiple of the coefficients of \(x\). - Use opposite signs so the \(x\)-terms cancel when added. - After finding one coordinate, return to an original equation for the other.

Solution

1. Multiply (I) by \(3\): \(6x+9y=39\). 2. Multiply (II) by \(-2\): \(-6x-4y=-24\). 3. Add: \(5y=15\), so \(y=3\). 4. Substitute into (I): \(2x+9=13\), so \(x=2\). 5. Check in (II): \(6+6=12\).

Answer

Multiply (I) by \(3\): \(6x+9y=39\). Multiply (II) by \(-2\): \(-6x-4y=-24\). After addition: \(5y=15\). Solution: \((2,3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 29
Solve this system by elimination: (I) \(2x+3y=7\) (II) \(2x-y=3\) A student says, “Add the equations to cancel \(2x\).” What is the mistake? Show the correct elimination and solution.

Hints

- Add the two \(x\)-terms mentally. Do they make zero? - What operation removes two identical terms? - Check your final ordered pair in both equations.

Solution

1. Adding \(2x+2x\) gives \(4x\), not zero. To cancel equal \(x\)-terms, subtract the equations. 2. Compute (I) minus (II): \(4y=4\), so \(y=1\). 3. From (II), \(2x-1=3\), so \(x=2\). 4. The solution \((2,1)\) satisfies both equations.

Answer

The \(2x\)-terms have the same sign, so adding does not cancel them. Subtract to get \(4y=4\); the solution is \((2,1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 30
Solve the system by elimination: (I) \(2x+3y=12\) (II) \(4x-3y=6\) Explain why elimination is especially quick here compared with first isolating a variable for substitution.

Hints

- Compare the \(y\)-coefficients before choosing an operation. - What happens when you add equalities with opposite \(y\)-terms? - Think about how many rearranging steps substitution would need.

Solution

1. The \(y\)-coefficients are opposites already, so add the equations: \(6x=18\). 2. Thus \(x=3\). In (I), \(6+3y=12\), so \(y=2\). 3. Both equations are satisfied by \((3,2)\). 4. Elimination cancels \(y\) immediately, while substitution would first require isolating a variable.

Answer

\((3,2)\). Add the equations: the \(y\)-terms cancel without rearranging or scaling.
Solve systems by elimination 31
Lines \(g\) and \(h\) are given by \(g: 3x - y = 5\) \(h: x + y = 7\). a) Calculate the intersection \((x, y)\) of the two lines. b) Check whether the intersection also satisfies \(2x + 3y = 18\). c) Find the value of \(c\) so that the line \(x - 2y = c\) also passes through the intersection.

Hints

- Which terms cancel if you add the first two equations? - A point lies on a line when its coordinates satisfy the line equation. - Substitute the intersection into the third equation to test it. - Substitute the same coordinates into \(x - 2y = c\) to find \(c\).

Solution

1. Add the equations \(3x - y = 5\) and \(x + y = 7\): \(4x = 12\), so \(x = 3\). Substitute into \(x + y = 7\) to get \(y = 4\). The intersection is \((3, 4)\). 2. Check the third equation: \(2 \cdot 3 + 3 \cdot 4 = 18\). Therefore, the intersection satisfies the equation. 3. Substitute \(x = 3\) and \(y = 4\) into \(x - 2y = c\): \(c = 3 - 2 \cdot 4 = -5\).

Answer

a) The intersection is \((3, 4)\). b) Yes. Substitution gives \(2 \cdot 3 + 3 \cdot 4 = 18\). c) \(c = -5\)
Solve systems by elimination 32
Solve the following system of linear equations by elimination: (I) \(5u + 7v = 11\) (II) \(3u + 4v = 6\)

Hints

- When neither pair of coefficients is already equal or opposite, what multiples can make one pair cancel? - Find a common multiple of the coefficients of \(u\) or \(v\). - Choose signs so that one variable cancels when the equations are added.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(-5\) to eliminate \(u\): (I′) \(15u + 21v = 33\) (II′) \(-15u - 20v = -30\) 2. Add the new equations: \(v = 3\). 3. Substitute \(v = 3\) into equation (II): \(3u + 4 \cdot 3 = 6\). 4. Solve for \(u\): \(3u + 12 = 6\), so \(3u = -6\) and \(u = -2\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(-2, 3)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(-2, 3)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 33
First rewrite the following system in standard form. Then use elimination to find the solution set. (I) \(3(x - 2) = 4y + 1\) (II) \(5x = 2(y + 3x) + 7\)

Hints

- Expand the parentheses to simplify each equation. - Arrange both equations with variable terms on one side and constants on the other. - Which variable is easiest to eliminate after rewriting? - The solution may contain decimals.

Solution

1. Rewrite equation (I): \(3x - 6 = 4y + 1\), so \(3x - 4y = 7\). 2. Rewrite equation (II): \(5x = 2y + 6x + 7\), so \(-x - 2y = 7\). 3. Multiply the simplified equation (II) by \(-2\): \(2x + 4y = -14\). 4. Add it to the simplified equation (I): \((3x - 4y) + (2x + 4y) = 7 - 14\). 5. Simplify: \(5x = -7\), so \(x = -1.4\). 6. Substitute into \(-x - 2y = 7\): \(1.4 - 2y = 7\), so \(-2y = 5.6\) and \(y = -2.8\). 7. The solution set is \(\{(-1.4, -2.8)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(-1.4, -2.8)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 34
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: (I) \(4x - 5y = 13\) (II) \(3x + 2y = 4\)

Hints

- Multiply the equations so that one variable can be eliminated. - Find a common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - Choose signs that make those coefficients opposites.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\) and equation (II) by \(5\): (I′) \(8x - 10y = 26\) (II′) \(15x + 10y = 20\) 2. Add the new equations: \(23x = 46\). 3. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 2\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(3 \cdot 2 + 2y = 4\). 5. Solve for \(y\): \(6 + 2y = 4\), so \(y = -1\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 35
Consider the following system: (I) \(5x + 2y = 16\) (II) \(3x - 4y = 7\) Lucas suggests two ways to prepare the system for elimination: Strategy A: Multiply only equation (I) by \(2\). Strategy B: Multiply equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(-5\). a) Evaluate both strategies. Which is more efficient, and why? b) Solve the system using the strategy you choose.

Hints

- What is the goal of elimination? - Which strategy requires fewer equation transformations? - Which strategy produces smaller coefficients?

Solution

1. Strategy A is more efficient because only one equation must be multiplied, and the resulting coefficients are smaller. It creates opposite \(y\)-coefficients, \(4y\) and \(-4y\). 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\): \(10x + 4y = 32\). 3. Add this equation to equation (II): \(13x = 39\). 4. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 3\). 5. Substitute into equation (I): \(5 \cdot 3 + 2y = 16\), so \(2y = 1\) and \(y = 0.5\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(3, 0.5)\}\).

Answer

a) Strategy A is more efficient because it changes only one equation and keeps the coefficients smaller. b) The solution set is \(\{(3, 0.5)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 36
Consider the system (I) \(0.5x + 1.2y = 4.6\) (II) \(2x - 0.6y = 2.2\). a) By what number should equation (II) be multiplied so that \(y\) is eliminated when the equations are added? b) Another approach begins by multiplying both equations by \(10\). What is the advantage of this step? c) Find the solution set using either approach.

Hints

- Compare the coefficients \(1.2\) and \(-0.6\). - What multiplication would remove all decimal points? - After finding \(x\), how can you find \(y\)?

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(2\), because \(-0.6 \cdot 2 = -1.2\), the opposite of \(1.2\). 2. Multiplying both equations by \(10\) changes all decimal coefficients into integers, which can make the arithmetic easier and reduce errors. 3. Using equation (II) multiplied by \(2\) gives \(4x - 1.2y = 4.4\). 4. Add this equation to equation (I): \(4.5x = 9\). 5. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 2\). 6. Substitute into equation (II): \(2 \cdot 2 - 0.6y = 2.2\), so \(1.8 = 0.6y\) and \(y = 3\). 7. The solution set is \(\{(2, 3)\}\).

Answer

a) Multiply equation (II) by \(2\). b) Multiplying by \(10\) removes the decimal coefficients and allows integer arithmetic. c) The solution set is \(\{(2, 3)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 37
Consider the following three linear equations: (1) \(3x + 4y = 10\) (2) \(5x - 4y = 6\) (3) \(-3x + 2y = 8\) a) Choose two equations that form a system in which \(y\) is eliminated immediately when the equations are added. Solve that system. b) Choose two equations that form a system in which \(x\) is eliminated immediately when the equations are added. Solve that system.

Hints

- When do two terms cancel when equations are added? - Compare the coefficients directly. - After finding one variable, how can you determine the other?

Solution

1. For part a), choose equations (1) and (2), because the \(y\)-coefficients \(4\) and \(-4\) are opposites. 2. Add the equations: \(8x = 16\), so \(x = 2\). 3. Substitute into equation (1): \(3 \cdot 2 + 4y = 10\), so \(y = 1\). The solution is \((2, 1)\). 4. For part b), choose equations (1) and (3), because the \(x\)-coefficients \(3\) and \(-3\) are opposites. 5. Add the equations: \(6y = 18\), so \(y = 3\). 6. Substitute into equation (3): \(-3x + 2 \cdot 3 = 8\), so \(-3x = 2\) and \(x = -\frac{2}{3}\). The solution is \((-\frac{2}{3}, 3)\).

Answer

a) Use equations (1) and (2). The solution is \((2, 1)\). b) Use equations (1) and (3). The solution is \((-\frac{2}{3}, 3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 38
Amina uses elimination to solve the system (I) \(6x - 5y = 14\) (II) \(3x + 5y = 31\). She writes \((6x - 5y) + (3x + 5y) = 14 + 31\), \(9x = 45\), \(x = 5\). a) Check the work so far and find the corresponding value of \(y\). b) Change only the coefficient of \(x\) in equation (II) so that \(x\) is also eliminated when equations (I) and (II) are added. What does the resulting equation tell you about the modified system?

Hints

- Substitute the found value of \(x\) into either original equation to recover \(y\). - For two \(x\)-terms to cancel by addition, how must their coefficients be related? - If every variable term disappears after addition, interpret the remaining statement before deciding the solution type.

Solution

1. The addition is correct: the \(y\)-terms cancel, and \(9x=45\) gives \(x=5\). 2. Substitute \(x=5\) into equation (II): \(3\cdot5+5y=31\). Then \(5y=16\), so \(y=3.2\). 3. To eliminate \(x\) by addition as well, the new coefficient in equation (II) must be \(-6\), giving \(-6x+5y=31\). 4. Adding the modified equation to equation (I) gives \(0=45\), a contradiction. Therefore, the modified system has no solution.

Answer

a) The work for \(x\) is correct, and \(y=3.2\). b) Change the coefficient to \(-6\). The resulting equation is \(0=45\), so the modified system has no solution.
Solve systems by elimination 39
Solve the following system by elimination: (I) \(2a - 3b = 0\) (II) \(4b = 23 - 5a\)

Hints

- First rewrite the system with variable terms on one side and constants on the other. - Find a common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - Substitute the first variable value into an original equation to find the second.

Solution

1. Rewrite equation (II) in standard form: \(5a + 4b = 23\). 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(4\) and the rewritten equation (II) by \(3\): (I′) \(8a - 12b = 0\) (II′) \(15a + 12b = 69\) 3. Add the new equations: \(23a = 69\). 4. Divide by \(23\): \(a = 3\). 5. Substitute into equation (I): \(2 \cdot 3 - 3b = 0\), so \(b = 2\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(3, 2)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, 2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 40
Solve the following system using a method of your choice. Explain why your method is efficient for these coefficients. (I) \(5x + 2y = 1\) (II) \(3x - 4y = 11\)

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of \(x\) and \(y\). Is one pair related by a simple multiple? - Can you change one equation so that a variable cancels when the equations are added? - Is multiplying one equation simpler than isolating a variable with fractions?

Solution

1. Elimination is efficient because multiplying equation (I) by \(2\) makes the \(y\)-coefficients opposites. 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\): \(10x + 4y = 2\). 3. Add this equation to equation (II): \(13x = 13\). 4. Solve for \(x\): \(x = 1\). 5. Substitute into equation (I): \(5 \cdot 1 + 2y = 1\), so \(2y = -4\) and \(y = -2\). 6. The solution is \((1, -2)\).

Answer

Elimination is efficient because multiplying equation (I) by \(2\) creates opposite \(y\)-coefficients. The solution set is \(\{(1, -2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 41
Choose an efficient method and find the solution set of the system: (I) \(0.4x + 0.3y = 1.8\) (II) \(2x - 5y = 9\) First determine whether multiplying equation (I) by a factor would make elimination convenient.

Hints

- Compare the decimal coefficient of \(x\) in equation (I) with the \(x\)-coefficient in equation (II). - Look for a multiplier that makes one pair of corresponding coefficients equal or opposite. - Once one variable has been eliminated, use the remaining equation before substituting back.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(5\): \(2x+1.5y=9\). This is useful because the \(x\)-coefficient now matches the one in equation (II). 2. Subtract equation (II) from the transformed equation (I): \((2x-2x)+(1.5y-(-5y))=9-9\). 3. Simplify: \(6.5y=0\), so \(y=0\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(2x-5\cdot0=9\), so \(x=4.5\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(4.5,0)\}\).

Answer

Multiplying equation (I) by \(5\) makes the \(x\)-coefficients equal, so subtraction eliminates \(x\). The solution set is \(\{(4.5,0)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 42
First multiply the equations to clear all fractions. Then use elimination to find the solution set. (I) \(\frac{2}{5}x - \frac{1}{2}y = -1\) (II) \(\frac{1}{5}x + \frac{3}{2}y = 17\)

Hints

- What multiplier clears the denominators? - What number is a common multiple of \(2\) and \(5\)? - To eliminate a variable, how should its coefficients compare in the two equations?

Solution

1. Multiply both equations by \(10\): (I′) \(4x - 5y = -10\) (II′) \(2x + 15y = 170\). 2. Multiply equation (I′) by \(3\): \(12x - 15y = -30\). 3. Add this equation to equation (II′): \(14x = 140\), so \(x = 10\). 4. Substitute into equation (II′): \(2 \cdot 10 + 15y = 170\), so \(15y = 150\) and \(y = 10\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(10, 10)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(10, 10)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 43
First remove the decimal coefficients by multiplying appropriately. Then solve the system by elimination. (I) \(0.3x + 0.4y = 2.5\) (II) \(0.7x - 0.2y = 1.3\)

Hints

- What power of \(10\) moves each decimal point one place to the right? - How can you make one variable cancel when the equations are added? - Multiply every term, including the constant, by the same factor.

Solution

1. Multiply both equations by \(10\): (I′) \(3x + 4y = 25\) (II′) \(7x - 2y = 13\). 2. Multiply equation (II′) by \(2\): \(14x - 4y = 26\). 3. Add this equation to equation (I′): \(17x = 51\), so \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute into equation (I′): \(3 \cdot 3 + 4y = 25\), so \(4y = 16\) and \(y = 4\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(3, 4)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, 4)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 44
A sports club orders new uniforms for its youth teams. The first order includes \(20\) jerseys and \(30\) pairs of shorts for a total of \(\$900\). The club later places an identical order, but jersey prices have increased by \(10\%\) and shorts prices have increased by \(20\%\). The second order costs \(\$1020\). Find the original price of one jersey and one pair of shorts.

Hints

- Write one equation for each order. - Represent each percentage increase with a multiplier. - Simplify the equations before applying elimination.

Solution

1. Let \(x\) be the original price of one jersey and \(y\) the original price of one pair of shorts, in dollars. 2. Write the system \(20x + 30y = 900\) and \(20(1.1x) + 30(1.2y) = 1020\). 3. Simplify the equations: \(2x + 3y = 90\) and \(22x + 36y = 1020\). 4. Multiply the first simplified equation by \(11\): \(22x + 33y = 990\). 5. Subtract: \(3y = 30\), so \(y = 10\). 6. Substitute into \(2x + 3y = 90\): \(2x + 30 = 90\), so \(x = 30\).

Answer

A jersey originally cost \(\$30\), and a pair of shorts originally cost \(\$10\).
Solve systems by elimination 45
During the first lunch period, a school snack stand sells \(40\) soft pretzels and \(50\) bottles of apple juice for \(\$115\). During the second lunch period, pretzels are discounted by \(20\%\), while the juice price is increased by \(50\%\). The stand sells \(30\) pretzels and \(40\) bottles of juice for \(\$102\). Find the original price of one pretzel and one bottle of juice.

Hints

- Write one revenue equation for each lunch period. - Use multipliers to represent the discount and price increase. - Simplify both equations before using elimination.

Solution

1. Let \(p\) be the original price of one pretzel and \(j\) the original price of one bottle of juice, in dollars. 2. Write the system \(40p + 50j = 115\) and \(30(0.8p) + 40(1.5j) = 102\). 3. Simplify: \(4p + 5j = 11.5\) and \(4p + 10j = 17\). 4. Subtract the first simplified equation from the second: \(5j = 5.5\), so \(j = 1.10\). 5. Substitute into \(4p + 5j = 11.5\): \(4p + 5.5 = 11.5\), so \(p = 1.50\).

Answer

A pretzel originally cost \(\$1.50\), and a bottle of juice originally cost \(\$1.10\).
Solve systems by elimination 46
Solve the following system by elimination: (I) \(3x + 4y = 5\) (II) \(5x - 3y = 18\)

Hints

- When no variable is ready to cancel, multiply both equations. - Find a least common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - Check the final ordered pair in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(4\): (I′) \(9x + 12y = 15\) (II′) \(20x - 12y = 72\). 2. Add the transformed equations: \(29x = 87\). 3. Divide by \(29\): \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute into equation (I): \(3 \cdot 3 + 4y = 5\). 5. Solve for \(y\): \(9 + 4y = 5\), so \(y = -1\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(3, -1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 47
Consider the following system: (I) \(5x + 3y = 7\) (II) \(2x - 4y = 8\) a) Transform the equations so that elimination can be used directly to eliminate \(y\). Write the transformed equations. b) Find the solution set. c) Explain why, when using integer multipliers, both equations must be multiplied before they are added.

Hints

- What must happen to the \(y\)-coefficients so that they cancel when the equations are added? - Find the least common multiple of the coefficients. - Multiply every term, including the constant, by the chosen factor. - Check the solution in both original equations.

Solution

1. A common multiple of the \(y\)-coefficients \(3\) and \(4\) is \(12\). 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(4\): \(20x + 12y = 28\). 3. Multiply equation (II) by \(3\): \(6x - 12y = 24\). 4. Add the transformed equations: \(26x = 52\), so \(x = 2\). 5. Substitute into equation (I): \(5 \cdot 2 + 3y = 7\), so \(3y = -3\) and \(y = -1\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\). 7. Neither \(3\) nor \(4\) is an integer multiple of the other, so both equations must be scaled to create opposite integer coefficients, such as \(12\) and \(-12\).

Answer

a) \(20x + 12y = 28\) and \(6x - 12y = 24\) b) The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\). c) Both equations must be multiplied because \(3\) and \(4\) are not integer multiples of one another, so both must be scaled to create opposite integer coefficients.
Solve systems by elimination 48
Use elimination to solve the following system, which contains both fractions and decimals: (I) \(\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{2}{3}y = 4\) (II) \(0.25x - 0.5y = -1\) Then determine whether \((3, 3.6)\) is a solution of the system.

Hints

- It may help to write all coefficients in the same form, either fractions or decimals. - Can you multiply one equation so that a coefficient matches the corresponding coefficient in the other equation? - Which variable is easier to eliminate?

Solution

1. Multiply equation (II) by \(2\): \(0.5x - y = -2\). Since \(\frac{1}{2} = 0.5\), the \(x\)-coefficients now match. 2. Subtract the transformed equation (II) from equation (I): \((0.5x - 0.5x) + (\frac{2}{3}y - (-y)) = 4 - (-2)\). 3. Simplify: \(\frac{5}{3}y = 6\), so \(y = \frac{18}{5} = 3.6\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(0.25x - 0.5 \cdot 3.6 = -1\). Then \(0.25x = 0.8\), so \(x = 3.2\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(3.2, 3.6)\}\). 6. Test \((3, 3.6)\) in equation (I): \(\frac{1}{2} \cdot 3 + \frac{2}{3} \cdot 3.6 = 3.9 \ne 4\). Therefore, the given ordered pair is not a solution.

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3.2, 3.6)\}\). The ordered pair \((3, 3.6)\) is not a solution.
Solve systems by elimination 49
Solve each system by elimination. For each system, state whether adding or subtracting the equations is the useful first elimination step. 1) \(\begin{cases}5x+3y=21\\2x-3y=0\end{cases}\) 2) \(\begin{cases}6a-4b=10\\6a+5b=1\end{cases}\)

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of one variable across the two equations in each system. - What happens when you add terms with opposite coefficients? What happens when you subtract equal coefficients? - After one variable cancels, use an original equation to find the other.

Solution

1. For system 1, add the equations: \(7x=21\), so \(x=3\). Substitute into \(2x-3y=0\): \(6-3y=0\), giving \(y=2\). Adding first cancels \(y\). 2. For system 2, subtract the first equation from the second: \(9b=-9\), so \(b=-1\). Substitute into \(6a-4b=10\): \(6a+4=10\), giving \(a=1\). Subtracting first cancels \(a\).

Answer

1) Add first; \((x, y)=(3, 2)\). 2) Subtract first; \((a, b)=(1, -1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 50
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system. First rewrite the equations so that like variables are aligned: (I) \(2x + 5y = -1\) (II) \(3x = 2y + 8\)

Hints

- Rewrite each equation with the variable terms on the left and the constant on the right. - How can you create equal or opposite coefficients for one variable? - Be especially careful with signs when subtracting equations. - Write the two values as an ordered pair in the solution set.

Solution

1. Rewrite equation (II) by subtracting \(2y\) from both sides: \(3x - 2y = 8\). 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(3\): \(6x + 15y = -3\). 3. Multiply the rewritten equation (II) by \(2\): \(6x - 4y = 16\). 4. Subtract the second transformed equation from the first: \((6x + 15y) - (6x - 4y) = -3 - 16\), so \(19y = -19\) and \(y = -1\). 5. Substitute \(y = -1\) into equation (II): \(3x = 2(-1) + 8 = 6\), so \(x = 2\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 51
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x + 5y = 2 \\ 3x - 2y = 13 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Look for a common multiple of a pair of coefficients. - You may multiply the two equations by different numbers. - Choose multipliers that create opposite coefficients for one variable. - Make sure you find both variables.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(2\): \(8x + 10y = 4\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(5\): \(15x - 10y = 65\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(23x = 69\), so \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute \(x = 3\) into the first original equation: \(4(3) + 5y = 2\). 5. Solve: \(12 + 5y = 2\), so \(5y = -10\) and \(y = -2\). 6. The solution is \((3, -2)\).

Answer

The solution is \((3, -2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 52
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x + 3y = 2 \\ 5x + 2y = -1 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Find a common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - What signs must the coefficients have so that they cancel when the equations are added? - You may need to multiply both equations by different numbers. - What is the least common multiple of \(2\) and \(3\)?

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(2\): \(8x + 6y = 4\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(-3\): \(-15x - 6y = 3\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(-7x = 7\), so \(x = -1\). 4. Substitute \(x = -1\) into the first original equation: \(4(-1) + 3y = 2\). 5. Solve: \(-4 + 3y = 2\), so \(3y = 6\) and \(y = 2\).

Answer

The solution is \((-1, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 53
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x - 5y = -2 \\ 3x + 2y = 10 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- What multipliers will create opposite coefficients for one variable? - What happens when the transformed equations are added? - You may also solve one equation for a variable, but elimination is efficient here. - After finding one variable, substitute to find the other.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(2\): \(8x - 10y = -4\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(5\): \(15x + 10y = 50\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(23x = 46\), so \(x = 2\). 4. Substitute \(x = 2\) into the second original equation: \(3(2) + 2y = 10\). 5. Solve: \(6 + 2y = 10\), so \(y = 2\). 6. The solution is \((2, 2)\).

Answer

The solution is \((2, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 54
Solve the following system for \(x\) and \(y\). The letters \(u\) and \(v\) are parameters. \(\begin{cases} x + y = 5u - v \\ x - y = u + 5v \end{cases}\)

Hints

- What happens when the two equations are added? - Can subtraction eliminate the other variable? - Treat \(u\) and \(v\) as fixed numbers while you solve for \(x\) and \(y\). - Check by substituting both expressions into the original equations.

Solution

1. Add the equations to eliminate \(y\): \((x + y) + (x - y) = (5u - v) + (u + 5v)\). 2. Simplify: \(2x = 6u + 4v\), so \(x = 3u + 2v\). 3. Subtract the second equation from the first to eliminate \(x\): \((x + y) - (x - y) = (5u - v) - (u + 5v)\). 4. Simplify: \(2y = 4u - 6v\), so \(y = 2u - 3v\).

Answer

\(x = 3u + 2v\) and \(y = 2u - 3v\)
Solve systems by elimination 55
Solve the following system in terms of the parameter \(a\): \(\begin{cases} 4x + 3y = 10a \\ 2x - 3y = 2a \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of \(y\). Which operation eliminates that variable immediately? - After finding one variable, how can you find the other? - The parameter may remain in the final expressions. - Be careful with signs when substituting and simplifying.

Solution

1. Add the equations to eliminate \(y\): \((4x + 3y) + (2x - 3y) = 10a + 2a\). 2. Simplify: \(6x = 12a\), so \(x = 2a\). 3. Substitute \(x = 2a\) into the first equation: \(4(2a) + 3y = 10a\). 4. Solve: \(8a + 3y = 10a\), so \(3y = 2a\) and \(y = \frac{2}{3}a\).

Answer

\(x = 2a\) and \(y = \frac{2}{3}a\)
Solve systems by elimination 56
Solve the following system for \((x, y)\) in terms of the parameter \(k\): (1) \(4x + 3y = 11k\) (2) \(4x - 3y = 5k\)

Hints

- What happens when the two equations are added? - Can subtraction eliminate the other variable? - Treat \(k\) as a fixed number while solving for \(x\) and \(y\). - How can the expression for \(x\) help you verify the expression for \(y\)?

Solution

1. Add the equations: \((4x + 3y) + (4x - 3y) = 11k + 5k\). 2. Simplify: \(8x = 16k\), so \(x = 2k\). 3. Subtract equation (2) from equation (1): \((4x + 3y) - (4x - 3y) = 11k - 5k\). 4. Simplify: \(6y = 6k\), so \(y = k\).

Answer

The solution is \((2k, k)\).
Solve systems by elimination 57
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x + 3y - 1 = 0 \\ 5x + 2y - 3 = 0 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- First move the constant terms so that each equation is in standard form. - What multipliers will make one pair of coefficients equal? - After finding one variable, substitute to find the other. - Check the ordered pair in the original equations.

Solution

1. Rewrite the equations in standard form: \(4x + 3y = 1\) and \(5x + 2y = 3\). 2. Multiply the first equation by \(2\): \(8x + 6y = 2\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(3\): \(15x + 6y = 9\). 4. Subtract the first transformed equation from the second: \(7x = 7\), so \(x = 1\). 5. Substitute \(x = 1\) into \(4x + 3y = 1\): \(4 + 3y = 1\), so \(y = -1\).

Answer

The solution is \((1, -1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 58
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 2(x + 3) = 3y + 1 \\ 4x - 2 = 5(y - 1) \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Expand the expressions and put both equations in standard form first. - What factor will make one variable cancel when the equations are added? - Pay close attention to signs when distributing. - Check the result in both original equations.

Solution

1. Expand and rewrite the equations in standard form: \(2x - 3y = -5\) and \(4x - 5y = -3\). 2. Multiply the first equation by \(-2\): \(-4x + 6y = 10\). 3. Add this equation to the second equation: \(y = 7\). 4. Substitute \(y = 7\) into \(2x - 3y = -5\): \(2x - 21 = -5\). 5. Solve: \(2x = 16\), so \(x = 8\). 6. The solution is \((8, 7)\).

Answer

The solution is \((8, 7)\).
Solve systems by elimination 59
Find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x}{2} + \frac{3y}{4} = 6 \\ \frac{2x}{3} - \frac{y}{2} = 2 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply each equation by its least common denominator to remove fractions. - What is the least common multiple of the denominators in each equation? - After removing fractions, which variable can be eliminated immediately? - Check the solution in the original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(4\) to remove fractions: \(2x + 3y = 24\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(6\): \(4x - 3y = 12\). 3. Add the new equations: \(6x = 36\), so \(x = 6\). 4. Substitute \(x = 6\) into \(2x + 3y = 24\): \(12 + 3y = 24\). 5. Solve: \(3y = 12\), so \(y = 4\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(6, 4)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(6, 4)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 60
Solve the following system: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x}{2} - \frac{y}{3} = 1 \\ \frac{x}{4} + \frac{y}{2} = \frac{5}{2} \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply each equation by a common denominator to remove fractions. - After removing fractions, look for opposite coefficients. - What is the least common denominator in the first equation?

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(6\): \(3x - 2y = 6\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(4\): \(x + 2y = 10\). 3. Add the new equations: \(4x = 16\), so \(x = 4\). 4. Substitute \(x = 4\) into \(x + 2y = 10\): \(4 + 2y = 10\). 5. Solve: \(2y = 6\), so \(y = 3\).

Answer

The solution is \((4, 3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 61
Find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x}{2} - \frac{y}{3} = 2 \\ \frac{x}{4} + \frac{y}{6} = 2 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply each equation to remove all denominators. - What number clears both denominators in the first equation? - Compare the \(y\)-terms after the fractions are removed. - Check the solution in the original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(6\): \(3x - 2y = 12\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(12\): \(3x + 2y = 24\). 3. Add the new equations: \(6x = 36\), so \(x = 6\). 4. Substitute \(x = 6\) into \(3x + 2y = 24\): \(18 + 2y = 24\). 5. Solve: \(2y = 6\), so \(y = 3\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(6, 3)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(6, 3)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 62
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 4x - 3y = 5 \\ 3x + 2y = 8 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- What multipliers will create opposite coefficients for one variable? - Elimination is useful when adding equations can remove a variable. - Find a common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - Check the result in both equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(2\): \(8x - 6y = 10\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(3\): \(9x + 6y = 24\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(17x = 34\), so \(x = 2\). 4. Substitute \(x = 2\) into the first equation: \(4(2) - 3y = 5\). 5. Solve: \(8 - 3y = 5\), so \(y = 1\).

Answer

The solution is \((2, 1)\).
Solve systems by elimination 63
Solve the following system by elimination: \(\begin{cases} 5x + 2y = 1 \\ 3x + 5y = 12 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Change the equations so that one variable cancels when they are added. - What multipliers make a pair of coefficients opposites? - Check the ordered pair in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(5\): \(25x + 10y = 5\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(-2\): \(-6x - 10y = -24\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(19x = -19\), so \(x = -1\). 4. Substitute \(x = -1\) into the first equation: \(5(-1) + 2y = 1\). 5. Solve: \(-5 + 2y = 1\), so \(y = 3\).

Answer

The solution is \((-1, 3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 64
Find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} 0.4x + 0.3y = 5 \\ 0.2x + 0.5y = 6 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- First remove the decimal coefficients by multiplying each equation by \(10\). - Can one equation then be scaled to create equal coefficients? - Subtracting equations with equal coefficients will eliminate that variable. - Check the solution in both original equations.

Solution

1. Multiply both equations by \(10\): (I) \(4x + 3y = 50\) (II) \(2x + 5y = 60\). 2. Multiply equation (II) by \(2\): \(4x + 10y = 120\). 3. Subtract equation (I): \(7y = 70\), so \(y = 10\). 4. Substitute \(y = 10\) into equation (I): \(4x + 30 = 50\), so \(x = 5\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(5, 10)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(5, 10)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 65
Find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x}{4} + \frac{y}{3} = 2\frac{1}{12} \\ \frac{x}{2} - \frac{y}{6} = \frac{5}{6} \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Rewrite the mixed number as an improper fraction. - Multiply each equation by a common denominator to remove fractions. - Which algebraic method is simplest after the fractions are removed?

Solution

1. Rewrite the mixed number: \(2\frac{1}{12} = \frac{25}{12}\). 2. Multiply the first equation by \(12\): \(3x + 4y = 25\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(6\): \(3x - y = 5\). 4. Subtract the second equation from the first: \(5y = 20\), so \(y = 4\). 5. Substitute \(y = 4\) into \(3x - y = 5\): \(3x - 4 = 5\), so \(x = 3\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(3, 4)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, 4)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 66
A school snack stand buys sandwiches and apples. On Monday, \(30\) sandwiches and \(20\) apples cost \(\$90\). On Tuesday, sandwich prices are \(10\%\) higher and apple prices are \(20\%\) higher. The same quantities then cost \(\$102\). a) Find the original price of one sandwich and one apple. b) What percentage of Monday’s total cost was spent on sandwiches?

Hints

- Write one total-cost equation for each day. - Use multipliers such as \(1.1\) and \(1.2\) for the price increases. - Eliminate one variable after simplifying the equations. - For part b, divide the sandwich cost by the total cost.

Solution

1. Let \(s\) be the original sandwich price and \(a\) the original apple price, in dollars. 2. Monday’s cost gives \(30s + 20a = 90\), or \(3s + 2a = 9\). 3. Tuesday’s cost gives \(30(1.1s) + 20(1.2a) = 102\), or \(33s + 24a = 102\). 4. Multiply \(3s + 2a = 9\) by \(12\): \(36s + 24a = 108\). 5. Subtract the Tuesday equation: \(3s = 6\), so \(s = 2\). 6. Substitute into \(3s + 2a = 9\): \(6 + 2a = 9\), so \(a = 1.50\). 7. Monday’s sandwich cost was \(30 \cdot 2 = 60\) dollars. The percentage was \(\frac{60}{90} \cdot 100\% = 66.\overline{6}\% \approx 66.7\%\).

Answer

a) A sandwich originally cost \(\$2.00\), and an apple originally cost \(\$1.50\). b) Sandwiches accounted for approximately \(66.7\%\) of Monday’s total cost.
Solve systems by elimination 67
Solve this system by elimination. Check the answer in both equations. (I) \(\frac{a}{4}+b=20\) (II) \(\frac{a}{20}+b=8\)

Hints

- Which variable has the same coefficient in both equations? - Subtract the equations so that variable disappears. - Use a common denominator to combine the remaining fractions.

Solution

1. Subtract equation (II) from equation (I) to cancel \(b\): \(\frac{a}{4}-\frac{a}{20}=12\). 2. Rewrite with denominator \(20\): \(\frac{5a-a}{20}=12\), so \(\frac{a}{5}=12\) and \(a=60\). 3. Substitute into equation (I): \(15+b=20\), giving \(b=5\). 4. Check: \(60\div4+5=20\) and \(60\div20+5=8\).

Answer

\((a, b)=(60, 5)\). Check (I): \(\frac{60}{4}+5=20\). Check (II): \(\frac{60}{20}+5=8\).
Solve systems by elimination 68
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} 3x + 4y = 5 \\ 2x - 3y = 9 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- You may need to multiply both equations before adding them. - Find the least common multiple of one pair of coefficients. - Decide whether eliminating \(x\) or \(y\) is more efficient.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(3\): \(9x + 12y = 15\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(4\): \(8x - 12y = 36\). 3. Add the equations: \(17x = 51\), so \(x = 3\). 4. Substitute into the first equation: \(3(3) + 4y = 5\). 5. Solve: \(9 + 4y = 5\), so \(y = -1\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(3, -1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 69
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} 22x - 15y + 1 = 0 \\ 33x - 20y + 4 = 0 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Scale both equations so that one pair of coefficients has equal magnitude and opposite signs. - Find the least common multiple of the \(x\)-coefficients or the \(y\)-coefficients. - A fractional coordinate is possible. - Simplify before multiplying when substituting a fraction.

Solution

1. A common multiple of \(15\) and \(20\) is \(60\). 2. Multiply the first equation by \(4\): \(88x - 60y + 4 = 0\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(-3\): \(-99x + 60y - 12 = 0\). 4. Add the transformed equations: \(-11x - 8 = 0\), so \(x = -\frac{8}{11}\). 5. Substitute into the first original equation: \(22\left(-\frac{8}{11}\right) - 15y + 1 = 0\). 6. Simplify: \(-16 - 15y + 1 = 0\), so \(-15y = 15\) and \(y = -1\).

Answer

The solution is \(\left(-\frac{8}{11}, -1\right)\).
Solve systems by elimination 70
The following system contains the parameters \(u\) and \(v\). Find \(x\) and \(y\) in terms of the parameters: \(\begin{cases} x + 2y = 3u - v \\ 2x - y = u + 3v \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Can one variable be eliminated by adding suitably scaled equations? - What multiplier makes the \(y\)-coefficients opposites? - Treat the expressions involving \(u\) and \(v\) as constants while solving for \(x\) and \(y\). - Simplify the final expressions.

Solution

1. Multiply the second equation by \(2\): \(4x - 2y = 2u + 6v\). 2. Add it to the first equation: \(5x = 5u + 5v\). 3. Divide by \(5\): \(x = u + v\). 4. Substitute into the first equation: \((u + v) + 2y = 3u - v\). 5. Simplify: \(2y = 2u - 2v\), so \(y = u - v\).

Answer

\(x = u + v\) and \(y = u - v\)
Solve systems by elimination 71
Use elimination to find the solution set of the following system: (I) \(6x - 5y = 11\) (II) \(4x + 3y = 39\)

Hints

- Scale the equations so that one variable cancels when they are added. - Create coefficients with equal magnitude and opposite signs. - Substitute the first value you find into an original equation.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(3\): \(18x - 15y = 33\). 2. Multiply equation (II) by \(5\): \(20x + 15y = 195\). 3. Add the equations: \(38x = 228\), so \(x = 6\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(4(6) + 3y = 39\). 5. Solve: \(24 + 3y = 39\), so \(y = 5\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(6, 5)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(6, 5)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 72
Solve the following system by elimination: (I) \(0.4x - 0.3y - 0.5 = 0\) (II) \(0.5x + 0.2y - 1.2 = 0\)

Hints

- First move each constant term to the right side. - You may multiply by powers of \(10\) to replace decimal coefficients with integers. - Which variable can be eliminated efficiently?

Solution

1. Rewrite the equations in standard form: (I) \(0.4x - 0.3y = 0.5\) (II) \(0.5x + 0.2y = 1.2\). 2. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\): \(0.8x - 0.6y = 1.0\). 3. Multiply equation (II) by \(3\): \(1.5x + 0.6y = 3.6\). 4. Add the equations: \(2.3x = 4.6\), so \(x = 2\). 5. Substitute into equation (II): \(0.5(2) + 0.2y = 1.2\), so \(y = 1\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, 1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, 1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 73
A constant has been erased from this system: (I) \(7x+4y=39\) (II) \(3x-4y=c\). A correct elimination step from the original system produced \(10x=50\). Determine \(c\), and then give the solution set of the completed system.

Hints

- What variable value is determined by the surviving equation? - Use the equation whose constant is known before recovering the erased constant. - Verify that combining the completed equations gives the stated elimination result.

Solution

1. From \(10x=50\), \(x=5\). 2. Substitute into equation (I): \(7\cdot 5+4y=39\), so \(4y=4\) and \(y=1\). 3. Use equation (II): \(c=3\cdot 5-4\cdot 1=11\).

Answer

\(c=11\), and the completed system has solution set \(\{(5, 1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 74
Elena tries to solve the system (I) \(6x-7y=10\) (II) \(2x+7y=22\). Elena writes, “Subtracting equation (II) from equation (I) eliminates \(y\), so \(4x=-12\).” a) Identify the exact error. b) Use a correct elimination step to solve the system.

Hints

- Track the subtraction sign across every term of the second equation. - Which way of combining the equations makes a pair of opposite terms disappear? - Check the ordered pair in both original equations.

Solution

1. In the subtraction, the y-terms are \(-7y-(7y)=-14y\), not \(0\), so subtraction does not eliminate \(y\). 2. Add the equations instead: \(8x=32\), so \(x=4\). 3. Substitute into equation (II): \(2\cdot4+7y=22\), so \(7y=14\) and \(y=2\).

Answer

a) Elena treated \(-7y-7y\) as \(0\), but it equals \(-14y\). b) The solution set is \(\{(4,2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 75
Consider the system (I) \(6x+5y=7\) (II) \(9x-4y=22\). Find one pair of nonzero integer multipliers with the smallest possible absolute values that will eliminate \(x\) when the transformed equations are added. Then use those multipliers to solve the system.

Hints

- Look for the smallest common magnitude the two x-coefficients can reach. - The transformed x-terms must have opposite signs. - After one variable remains, use either original equation to recover the other.

Solution

1. The least common multiple of \(6\) and \(9\) is \(18\), so multiply equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(-2\). 2. The transformed equations are \(18x+15y=21\) and \(-18x+8y=-44\). Adding gives \(23y=-23\), so \(y=-1\). 3. Substitute into equation (I): \(6x+5(-1)=7\), so \(6x=12\) and \(x=2\).

Answer

One pair of smallest multipliers is \(3\) and \(-2\). The solution set is \(\{(2, -1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 76
The first two equations in a three-equation system are (I) \(2x-y=7\) (II) \(3x+2y=4\). The third equation is (III) \(5x+y=k\). Use elimination on equations (I) and (II), then determine the value of \(k\) that makes all three equations consistent.

Hints

- First determine the ordered pair forced by the equations with known constants. - Choose a multiplier that creates opposite coefficients for one variable. - The final constant must equal the third left side at the common solution.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(2\): \(4x-2y=14\). 2. Add the result to equation (II): \(7x=18\), so \(x=\frac{18}{7}\). 3. Substitute into equation (I): \(2\cdot\frac{18}{7}-y=7\), so \(y=-\frac{13}{7}\). 4. Evaluate the left side of equation (III): \(5x+y=5\cdot\frac{18}{7}-\frac{13}{7}=11\). Thus, \(k=11\).

Answer

\(k=11\).
Solve systems by elimination 77
A community radio station rents studio time in hour blocks and editing time in half-hour blocks. One project uses \(3\) studio blocks and \(4\) editing blocks for \(\$247\). Another uses \(5\) studio blocks and \(2\) editing blocks for \(\$281\). a) Use elimination to find the cost of each kind of block. b) Find the cost of \(2\) studio blocks and \(3\) editing blocks.

Hints

- Assign one variable to each type of time block. - Which equation can be scaled so one pair of terms becomes opposites? - Use the recovered unit costs only after the system has been solved.

Solution

1. Let \(s\) be the studio-block cost and \(e\) the editing-block cost. The system is (I) \(3s+4e=247\) (II) \(5s+2e=281\). 2. Multiply equation (II) by \(-2\): \(-10s-4e=-562\). Add the result to equation (I): \(-7s=-315\), so \(s=45\). 3. Substitute into equation (II): \(5\cdot45+2e=281\), so \(e=28\). 4. The requested cost is \(2\cdot45+3\cdot28=174\).

Answer

a) A studio block costs \(\$45\), and an editing block costs \(\$28\). b) The cost is \(\$174\).
Solve systems by elimination 78
Consider the system (I) \(8x+3y=10\) (II) \(12x-5y=34\). Two valid elimination plans are proposed. Plan A: Compute \(3\) times equation (I) minus \(2\) times equation (II). Plan B: Compute \(5\) times equation (I) plus \(3\) times equation (II). a) State which variable each plan eliminates. b) Carry out both one-step combinations. c) Use either result to solve the system.

Hints

- Compare the transformed coefficients before carrying out the arithmetic. - Keep the same operation on the constants as on the left sides. - Either surviving one-variable equation should lead to the same ordered pair.

Solution

1. Plan A gives \(3(8x+3y)-2(12x-5y)=3\cdot10-2\cdot34\), so \(19y=-38\). It eliminates \(x\). 2. Plan B gives \(5(8x+3y)+3(12x-5y)=5\cdot10+3\cdot34\), so \(76x=152\). It eliminates \(y\). 3. Either result gives \(y=-2\) or \(x=2\). Substitution into an original equation gives the other value, so the solution set is \(\{(2, -2)\}\).

Answer

a) Plan A eliminates \(x\); Plan B eliminates \(y\). b) Plan A gives \(19y=-38\); Plan B gives \(76x=152\). c) The solution set is \(\{(2, -2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 79
Marcus adds \(q\) times equation (I) to equation (II): (I) \(4x-2y=10\) (II) \(5x+6y=4\). The combination is intended to eliminate \(y\). a) Find \(q\). b) Write the resulting one-variable equation. c) Solve the original system.

Hints

- Express the combined coefficient of the variable that should disappear. - The disappearing coefficient must equal zero. - After finding the multiplier, apply it to every term, including the constant.

Solution

1. The y-coefficient in the combination is \(6-2q\). Setting it equal to \(0\) gives \(q=3\). 2. Add \(3\) times equation (I) to equation (II): \((12x-6y)+(5x+6y)=30+4\), so \(17x=34\). 3. Thus, \(x=2\). Substitute into equation (I): \(4\cdot2-2y=10\), so \(y=-1\).

Answer

a) \(q=3\). b) The resulting equation is \(17x=34\). c) The solution set is \(\{(2,-1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 80
Solve the system (I) \(7x+4y=29\) (II) \(5x-4y=7\) using elimination only. Use one equation combination to determine \(x\), and a different equation combination to determine \(y\). Do not substitute either value into an original equation.

Hints

- The original equations already contain one useful pair of opposite terms. - For the second coordinate, create a new pair of opposite coefficients for the other variable. - Keep the two elimination combinations separate so neither coordinate is found by substitution.

Solution

1. Add equations (I) and (II): \(12x=36\), so \(x=3\). 2. To eliminate \(x\), multiply equation (I) by \(5\) and equation (II) by \(-7\): \(35x+20y=145\) and \(-35x+28y=-49\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(48y=96\), so \(y=2\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(3, 2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 81
For the system (I) \(x+2y=5\) (II) \(2x+4y=k\), subtract twice (I) from (II). Write the resulting equation to find the value of \(k\) that gives infinitely many solutions. What happens for every other value? Explain.

Hints

- Make the variable terms match before subtracting. - Think about what a true statement with no variables means. - What if the constant sides do not match after cancellation?

Solution

1. Double (I): \(2x+4y=10\). 2. Subtract this from (II): \(0=k-10\). 3. If \(k=10\), the equations represent the same line, so there are infinitely many solutions. 4. If \(k\ne10\), the equation says \(0\) equals a nonzero number, so the system has no solution.

Answer

After elimination: \(0=k-10\). \(k=10\): infinitely many solutions. \(k\ne10\): no solution.
Solve systems by elimination 82
Consider the transformation of the following system: (I) \(9x - 6y = 12\) (II) \(6x + 4y = 24\) The system was rewritten as (I′) \(18x - 12y = 24\) (II′) \(18x + 12y = 72\). a) State precisely which operation was applied to each original equation. b) Give two different operations using the transformed equations that eliminate one variable directly, without further multiplication. c) Find the solution set.

Hints

- Compare each original equation with its transformed version. - Which terms cancel when the transformed equations are added? - Which terms cancel when one transformed equation is subtracted from the other?

Solution

1. Equation (I) was multiplied by \(2\), and equation (II) was multiplied by \(3\). 2. Adding equations (I′) and (II′) eliminates \(y\). Subtracting equation (I′) from equation (II′) eliminates \(x\). 3. Add the transformed equations: \(36x = 96\), so \(x = \frac{8}{3}\). 4. Substitute into equation (II): \(6 \cdot \frac{8}{3} + 4y = 24\), so \(16 + 4y = 24\) and \(y = 2\). 5. The solution set is \(\{(\frac{8}{3}, 2)\}\).

Answer

a) Equation (I) was multiplied by \(2\), and equation (II) was multiplied by \(3\). b) Addition eliminates \(y\); subtraction eliminates \(x\). c) The solution set is \(\{(\frac{8}{3}, 2)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 83
A system of linear equations should have the solution \((5,2)\). The first equation is (I) \(x+y=7\). Write a second equation (II) in the form \(ax+by=c\) so that \(x\) cancels immediately when the equations are added. Then solve your system to verify the solution.

Hints

- Decide what relationship the two \(x\)-coefficients need so addition removes \(x\). - After choosing a \(y\)-coefficient, check whether the new equation would accidentally be equivalent to the first equation. - Use the required solution point to determine the constant term of your equation.

Solution

1. To eliminate \(x\), the coefficient \(a\) in equation (II) must be the opposite of \(1\), so \(a=-1\). 2. Start with \(-x+by=c\). Choose any \(b\ne-1\); for example, let \(b=2\). If \(b=-1\), the second equation would be the negative of equation (I), and the system would not have a unique solution. 3. Substitute \((5,2)\) to find \(c\): \(-5+2\cdot2=c\), so \(c=-1\). One possible equation is \(-x+2y=-1\). 4. Add the equations: \(3y=6\), so \(y=2\). 5. Substitute into equation (I): \(x+2=7\), so \(x=5\).

Answer

One possible equation is (II) \(-x+2y=-1\). More generally, any equation \(-x+by=-5+2b\) with \(b\ne-1\) works. Solving the system confirms the solution \((5,2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 84
Construct a system of linear equations with solution \((3,4)\) such that eliminating \(x\) requires multiplying both equations by different integer factors. Show how \(x\) is eliminated in your example.

Hints

- Choose two nonzero \(x\)-coefficients for which neither is an integer multiple of the other. - Make sure the two equations are not equivalent and that eliminating \(x\) will not eliminate \(y\) at the same time. - Use the required solution point to determine each constant after choosing your coefficients.

Solution

1. Choose \(x\)-coefficients that are not integer multiples of one another, such as \(2\) and \(3\). Choose \(y\)-coefficients that will not also cancel after scaling, such as \(3\) and \(2\). 2. Use \((3,4)\) to calculate the constants: \(2\cdot3+3\cdot4=18\), and \(3\cdot3+2\cdot4=17\). 3. One possible system is (I) \(2x+3y=18\) (II) \(3x+2y=17\). 4. Multiply equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(-2\): (I′) \(6x+9y=54\) (II′) \(-6x-4y=-34\). 5. Add the transformed equations: \(5y=20\), so \(y=4\). Substitution gives \(x=3\).

Answer

One possible system is (I) \(2x+3y=18\) (II) \(3x+2y=17\). Multiplying equation (I) by \(3\) and equation (II) by \(-2\) creates \(6x\) and \(-6x\). Adding eliminates \(x\) and gives \(5y=20\), so \(y=4\), and then \(x=3\).
Solve systems by elimination 85
First rewrite the equations so that they contain no fractions and the variable terms are aligned. Then solve by elimination. (I) \(\frac{x - 2}{2} + \frac{y + 1}{3} = 2\) (II) \(\frac{x + 4}{3} - \frac{y - 1}{2} = 0\)

Hints

- Multiply each entire equation by its least common denominator. - Pay close attention to signs when a subtraction applies to a numerator in parentheses. - Arrange the simplified equations with the variable terms aligned before applying elimination.

Solution

1. Multiply equation (I) by \(6\): \(3(x - 2) + 2(y + 1) = 12\). Expanding and simplifying gives \(3x + 2y = 16\). 2. Multiply equation (II) by \(6\): \(2(x + 4) - 3(y - 1) = 0\). Expanding and simplifying gives \(2x - 3y = -11\). 3. Multiply the first simplified equation by \(3\) and the second by \(2\): \(9x + 6y = 48\) and \(4x - 6y = -22\). 4. Add the equations: \(13x = 26\), so \(x = 2\). 5. Substitute into \(3x + 2y = 16\): \(6 + 2y = 16\), so \(y = 5\). 6. The solution set is \(\{(2, 5)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(2, 5)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 86
Two 3D printer models, X and Y, are used for a large order. One printer of each model working together can complete the order in \(4\) hours. Two Model X printers and one Model Y printer working together can complete the same order in \(3\) hours. How long would one printer of each model take to complete the order by itself?

Hints

- Represent each printer’s hourly rate as a fraction of one complete order. - Doubling the number of printers of one model doubles that model’s hourly contribution. - Write one equation for each staffing arrangement. - Relate a machine’s hourly rate to the time it needs to complete one order.

Solution

1. Let \(r_X\) and \(r_Y\) be the fractions of the order completed per hour by one printer of each model. 2. Write the system: \(r_X + r_Y = \frac{1}{4}\) and \(2r_X + r_Y = \frac{1}{3}\). 3. Subtract the first equation from the second: \(r_X = \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{12}\). 4. Substitute into the first equation: \(\frac{1}{12} + r_Y = \frac{1}{4}\), so \(r_Y = \frac{1}{6}\). 5. Time is the reciprocal of rate. Model X takes \(12\) hours, and Model Y takes \(6\) hours.

Answer

One Model X printer would take \(12\) hours, and one Model Y printer would take \(6\) hours.
Solve systems by elimination 87
Two groundskeepers, Mr. Green and Ms. Bloom, maintain a park. If Mr. Green works for \(4\) hours and Ms. Bloom works for \(2\) hours, they complete exactly half of the park. If Mr. Green works for \(2\) hours and Ms. Bloom works for \(5\) hours, they complete the entire park. Who has the greater work rate, and what is the ratio of the greater rate to the lesser rate?

Hints

- Write an equation for the fraction of the park completed in each situation. - Remember that the first situation accounts for only half of the park. - After solving the system, compare the rates by forming their quotient.

Solution

1. Let \(g\) be Mr. Green’s work rate and \(b\) be Ms. Bloom’s work rate, measured in parks completed per hour. 2. Write the system: \(4g + 2b = \frac{1}{2}\) and \(2g + 5b = 1\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(2\): \(4g + 10b = 2\). 4. Subtract the first equation: \(8b = \frac{3}{2}\), so \(b = \frac{3}{16}\). 5. Substitute into \(2g + 5b = 1\): \(2g + \frac{15}{16} = 1\), so \(g = \frac{1}{32}\). 6. Since \(\frac{3}{16} = \frac{6}{32}\), Ms. Bloom’s rate is greater. The ratio of her rate to Mr. Green’s rate is \(6:1\).

Answer

Ms. Bloom has the greater work rate. Her rate is \(6\) times Mr. Green’s rate, so the ratio is \(6:1\).
Solve systems by elimination 88
Two conveyor belts, A and B, load a warehouse. When both belts run together, they complete one full load in \(12\) hours. During a test, both belts run together for \(4\) hours. Belt A then stops, and Belt B takes another \(20\) hours to finish the remaining work. a) How long would each belt take to complete one full load by itself? b) A technician claims, “If Belt B’s speed is doubled, the time needed when A and B work together will be cut in half.” Test the claim mathematically and explain your conclusion.

Hints

- Determine what fraction of the load is completed during the first \(4\) hours. - The remaining work is completed entirely by Belt B, which helps determine its rate. - Doubling Belt B’s speed doubles only Belt B’s hourly contribution. - Compare the new combined time with half of the original time.

Solution

1. Let \(r_A\) and \(r_B\) be the fractions of one full load completed per hour by Belts A and B. 2. From their combined time, \(r_A + r_B = \frac{1}{12}\). 3. The test gives \(4r_A + 24r_B = 1\), because both belts run for \(4\) hours and Belt B runs for \(20\) additional hours. 4. Multiply the first equation by \(4\): \(4r_A + 4r_B = \frac{1}{3}\). Subtract this equation from the test equation: \(20r_B = \frac{2}{3}\), so \(r_B = \frac{1}{30}\). 5. Then \(r_A = \frac{1}{12} - \frac{1}{30} = \frac{1}{20}\). Therefore, Belt A takes \(20\) hours alone, and Belt B takes \(30\) hours alone. 6. If Belt B’s rate doubles, the new combined rate is \(\frac{1}{20} + 2 \cdot \frac{1}{30} = \frac{7}{60}\). 7. The new time is \(1 \div \frac{7}{60} = \frac{60}{7} \approx 8.57\) hours. Half of \(12\) hours is \(6\) hours, so the technician’s claim is false.

Answer

a) Belt A would take \(20\) hours, and Belt B would take \(30\) hours. b) The claim is false. The new combined time is \(\frac{60}{7} \approx 8.57\) hours, not \(6\) hours.
Solve systems by elimination 89
Consider the symmetric system (I) \(11x + 13y = 25\) (II) \(13x + 11y = 23\). a) Add equations (I) and (II), and simplify as much as possible. b) Subtract equation (II) from equation (I), and simplify as much as possible. c) Use the two simpler equations from parts a) and b) to solve the original system. d) Explain why this approach is often faster than standard elimination with large coefficients.

Hints

- What happens when the corresponding coefficients are added? - Can you divide the resulting equation by a common factor? - This method works especially well when the coefficients are swapped between the two equations.

Solution

1. Add equations (I) and (II): \(24x + 24y = 48\). Divide by \(24\) to get \(x + y = 2\). 2. Subtract equation (II) from equation (I): \(-2x + 2y = 2\). Divide by \(2\) to get \(-x + y = 1\). 3. Solve the simpler system: (A) \(x + y = 2\) (B) \(-x + y = 1\). Adding gives \(2y = 3\), so \(y = 1.5\). Then \(x = 0.5\). 4. Adding and subtracting exploits the swapped coefficients and immediately produces small coefficients, avoiding products such as \(11 \cdot 13 = 143\).

Answer

a) \(x + y = 2\) b) \(-x + y = 1\) c) The solution set is \(\{(0.5, 1.5)\}\). d) Addition and subtraction immediately produce equations with small coefficients, avoiding arithmetic with large coefficients such as \(143\).
Solve systems by elimination 90
The following system contains the parameter \(a\): (1) \(3x + 2y = 7a + 1\) (2) \(x - 2y = a - 5\) a) Find expressions for \(x\) and \(y\) in terms of \(a\). b) For what value of \(a\) does \(x = y\)?

Hints

- Compare the coefficients of \(y\). Which operation eliminates that variable immediately? - After finding \(x\), substitute its expression into an original equation to find \(y\). - In part b, what equation represents the condition \(x = y\)? - Set up an equation containing only the parameter \(a\).

Solution

1. Add equations (1) and (2): \(4x = 8a - 4\). 2. Divide by \(4\): \(x = 2a - 1\). 3. Substitute into equation (2): \((2a - 1) - 2y = a - 5\). 4. Solve for \(y\): \(-2y = -a - 4\), so \(y = \frac{a + 4}{2} = 0.5a + 2\). 5. For part b, set the two expressions equal: \(2a - 1 = 0.5a + 2\). 6. Solve: \(1.5a = 3\), so \(a = 2\).

Answer

a) \(x = 2a - 1\) and \(y = \frac{a + 4}{2}\) b) \(a = 2\)
Solve systems by elimination 91
Find the solution set of the following system: \(\begin{cases} \frac{x + 2}{3} + \frac{y - 1}{4} = 2 \\ \frac{x - 1}{2} - \frac{y + 2}{3} = 0.5 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply each equation by the least common denominator to remove fractions. - Distribute carefully, especially when a minus sign precedes a fraction. - Rewrite the resulting equations in standard form. - Then use elimination to solve the simpler system.

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(12\): \(4(x + 2) + 3(y - 1) = 24\), which simplifies to \(4x + 3y = 19\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(6\): \(3(x - 1) - 2(y + 2) = 3\), which simplifies to \(3x - 2y = 10\). 3. Multiply \(4x + 3y = 19\) by \(2\): \(8x + 6y = 38\). 4. Multiply \(3x - 2y = 10\) by \(3\): \(9x - 6y = 30\). 5. Add the transformed equations: \(17x = 68\), so \(x = 4\). 6. Substitute \(x = 4\) into \(3x - 2y = 10\): \(12 - 2y = 10\), so \(y = 1\). 7. The solution set is \(\{(4, 1)\}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\{(4, 1)\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 92
Solve the following system using an efficient algebraic method: \(\begin{cases} \frac{a + 1}{2} + \frac{b - 2}{3} = 3 \\ \frac{a - 2}{3} - \frac{b + 2}{4} = 0 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Multiply each equation by the least common denominator. - Distribute carefully, especially after a subtraction sign. - Once the equations are simplified, choose the most efficient solving method. - Can suitable multipliers create opposite coefficients for one variable?

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(6\): \(3(a + 1) + 2(b - 2) = 18\), which simplifies to \(3a + 2b = 19\). 2. Multiply the second equation by \(12\): \(4(a - 2) - 3(b + 2) = 0\), which simplifies to \(4a - 3b = 14\). 3. Multiply \(3a + 2b = 19\) by \(3\): \(9a + 6b = 57\). 4. Multiply \(4a - 3b = 14\) by \(2\): \(8a - 6b = 28\). 5. Add the transformed equations: \(17a = 85\), so \(a = 5\). 6. Substitute \(a = 5\) into \(3a + 2b = 19\): \(15 + 2b = 19\), so \(b = 2\).

Answer

The solution is \((a, b) = (5, 2)\).
Solve systems by elimination 93
Solve the following system using an efficient algebraic method: \(\begin{cases} \frac{3x - 1}{4} - \frac{2y + 1}{3} = \frac{x - y}{6} \\ \frac{x + y}{2} + \frac{x - y}{5} = 2 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Clear the fractions by multiplying each equation by its least common denominator. - Multiply every term on both sides of each equation. - Pay attention to the subtraction sign before the second fraction in the first equation. - After simplifying, which variable is easiest to eliminate?

Solution

1. Multiply the first equation by \(12\): \(3(3x - 1) - 4(2y + 1) = 2(x - y)\). 2. Simplify: \(9x - 3 - 8y - 4 = 2x - 2y\), so \(7x - 6y = 7\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(10\): \(5(x + y) + 2(x - y) = 20\). 4. Simplify: \(7x + 3y = 20\). 5. Subtract \(7x - 6y = 7\) from \(7x + 3y = 20\): \(9y = 13\), so \(y = \frac{13}{9}\). 6. Substitute into \(7x + 3y = 20\): \(7x + \frac{13}{3} = 20\), so \(7x = \frac{47}{3}\) and \(x = \frac{47}{21}\).

Answer

The solution is \(\left(\frac{47}{21}, \frac{13}{9}\right)\).
Solve systems by elimination 94
Solve the following system: \(\begin{cases} (x + 1)(y - 2) = (x - 1)(y + 3) \\ (x - 3)(y + 4) = (x + 2)(y - 1) \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Expand both sides of each equation first. - Combine like terms carefully and track all signs. - What happens to the \(xy\)-term when it appears on both sides? - Rewrite each result in the form \(Ax + By = C\). - Which method is efficient once the \(x\)-coefficients are opposites?

Solution

1. Expand the first equation: \(xy - 2x + y - 2 = xy + 3x - y - 3\). Cancel \(xy\) and simplify to get \(-5x + 2y = -1\). 2. Expand the second equation: \(xy + 4x - 3y - 12 = xy - x + 2y - 2\). Cancel \(xy\) and simplify to get \(5x - 5y = 10\). 3. Add the two simplified equations: \(-3y = 9\), so \(y = -3\). 4. Substitute \(y = -3\) into \(5x - 5y = 10\): \(5x + 15 = 10\), so \(x = -1\). 5. The solution is \((-1, -3)\).

Answer

The solution is \((-1, -3)\).
Solve systems by elimination 95
A workshop makes two types of shelving units: Standard and Deluxe. A production run of \(50\) Standard units and \(40\) Deluxe units was originally expected to require \(130\) labor-hours. After a process improvement, the labor time per Standard unit decreases by \(20\%\), and the labor time per Deluxe unit decreases by \(10\%\). The same production run now requires \(111\) labor-hours. a) Find the original labor time per unit for each model. b) The overall time savings is about \(14.6\%\). Explain without calculating why this percentage is not exactly halfway between \(10\%\) and \(20\%\).

Hints

- Write one equation for the original production time and one for the improved production time. - Represent a \(20\%\) reduction with a multiplier of \(0.8\) and a \(10\%\) reduction with a multiplier of \(0.9\). - For part b, consider which model accounted for more of the original total labor time and how that affects a weighted average.

Solution

1. Let \(x\) be the original labor time for one Standard unit and \(y\) the original labor time for one Deluxe unit, in hours. 2. The original production time gives \(50x + 40y = 130\), or \(5x + 4y = 13\). 3. After the reductions, the production time gives \(50(0.8x) + 40(0.9y) = 111\), or \(40x + 36y = 111\). 4. Multiply \(5x + 4y = 13\) by \(8\): \(40x + 32y = 104\). 5. Subtract this equation from \(40x + 36y = 111\): \(4y = 7\), so \(y = 1.75\). 6. Substitute into \(5x + 4y = 13\): \(5x + 7 = 13\), so \(x = 1.2\). 7. One Standard unit originally required \(1.2\) hours, or \(72\) minutes. One Deluxe unit originally required \(1.75\) hours, or \(105\) minutes. 8. The overall savings is a weighted average. The Deluxe units account for more of the original labor time, so their smaller \(10\%\) reduction has more influence than the Standard units’ \(20\%\) reduction.

Answer

a) A Standard unit originally required \(1.2\) hours, and a Deluxe unit originally required \(1.75\) hours. b) The overall savings is below \(15\%\) because more of the original labor time was spent on Deluxe units, which had the smaller percentage reduction.
Solve systems by elimination 96
A farm contractor plans to harvest a large field using a certain number of combines for a certain number of days. If \(2\) additional combines were used, the harvest would finish \(2\) days earlier than planned. If \(3\) fewer combines were available, the harvest would take \(6\) days longer than planned. Find the originally planned number of combines and the planned number of days.

Hints

- Identify the quantity that remains constant in every scenario. - Express the total work as the number of machines times the number of days. - Expand the equations and notice what happens to the product of the two unknowns. - Solve the resulting linear system.

Solution

1. Let \(m\) be the planned number of combines and \(d\) the planned number of days. The total work is proportional to \(md\). 2. Equal amounts of work give \((m + 2)(d - 2) = md\) and \((m - 3)(d + 6) = md\). 3. Expand the first equation: \(md - 2m + 2d - 4 = md\), so \(-m + d = 2\). 4. Expand the second equation: \(md + 6m - 3d - 18 = md\), so \(2m - d = 6\). 5. Add the simplified equations: \(m = 8\). 6. Substitute into \(-m + d = 2\): \(-8 + d = 2\), so \(d = 10\). 7. The planned work was \(8 \cdot 10 = 80\) combine-days. The alternatives also give \(10 \cdot 8 = 80\) and \(5 \cdot 16 = 80\) combine-days.

Answer

The plan called for \(8\) combines working for \(10\) days.
Solve systems by elimination 97
A class is planning a bus trip and will divide the total bus cost equally among the students. If \(5\) fewer students went, each remaining student would pay \(\$2.40\) more. If \(10\) more students went, each student would pay \(\$3.20\) less. Find the originally planned number of students and the planned cost per student.

Hints

- Identify the total quantity that stays constant in every scenario. - Express total cost as the number of students times the cost per student. - Write an equation for each change in group size and price. - Expand the products to obtain a linear system.

Solution

1. Let \(n\) be the planned number of students and \(p\) the planned cost per student. The total bus cost is \(np\). 2. The first scenario gives \((n - 5)(p + 2.4) = np\). 3. Expand and simplify: \(np + 2.4n - 5p - 12 = np\), so \(2.4n - 5p = 12\). 4. The second scenario gives \((n + 10)(p - 3.2) = np\). 5. Expand and simplify: \(np - 3.2n + 10p - 32 = np\), so \(-3.2n + 10p = 32\). 6. Multiply the first simplified equation by \(2\): \(4.8n - 10p = 24\). 7. Add the simplified equations: \(1.6n = 56\), so \(n = 35\). 8. Substitute into \(2.4n - 5p = 12\): \(84 - 5p = 12\), so \(p = 14.4\).

Answer

The plan included \(35\) students at \(\$14.40\) per student.
Solve systems by elimination 98
Two printer models, Alpha and Beta, process a \(5000\)-page print job. Working together, they finish the job in exactly \(50\) minutes. In a test, an Alpha printer runs for \(20\) minutes and a Beta printer runs separately for \(30\) minutes, producing \(2600\) pages altogether. a) Find the printing speed of each model in pages per minute. b) How long would three Alpha printers working together take to complete the entire job?

Hints

- Choose variables for the two printing rates. - Use the \(50\)-minute completion time to find a simple relationship between the rates. - Determine how using multiple printers of the same model changes the combined rate. - Convert the fractional part of a minute to seconds.

Solution

1. Let \(a\) and \(b\) be the printing speeds of Models Alpha and Beta, in pages per minute. 2. Their combined work gives \(50(a + b) = 5000\), so \(a + b = 100\). 3. The test gives \(20a + 30b = 2600\). 4. Multiply \(a + b = 100\) by \(20\): \(20a + 20b = 2000\). 5. Subtract this equation from the test equation: \(10b = 600\), so \(b = 60\). Then \(a = 40\). 6. Three Alpha printers have a combined rate of \(3 \cdot 40 = 120\) pages per minute. 7. The time is \(5000 \div 120 = \frac{125}{3}\) minutes, which is \(41\) minutes and \(40\) seconds.

Answer

a) Model Alpha prints \(40\) pages per minute, and Model Beta prints \(60\) pages per minute. b) Three Alpha printers would take \(41\) minutes and \(40\) seconds.
Solve systems by elimination 99
A print shop divides a large job between two printers. In one plan, Printer A completes \(\frac{2}{5}\) of the job and Printer B completes the rest. The two portions require \(100\) minutes of printer time altogether. In another plan, Printer A completes \(\frac{3}{5}\) of the job and Printer B completes the rest. The two portions require \(80\) minutes of printer time altogether. How many minutes would each printer take to complete the entire job by itself?

Hints

- If a printer’s full-job time is unknown, express the time for a fraction of the job as the same fraction of that time. - Write one equation for each work plan. - Multiply the equations to clear the fractions. - Solve the resulting system of two linear equations.

Solution

1. Let \(t_A\) be the time Printer A needs for the entire job and \(t_B\) the time Printer B needs, in minutes. 2. Time is proportional to the fraction of the job completed, and the printer times for the two portions add. Thus, \(\frac{2}{5}t_A + \frac{3}{5}t_B = 100\) and \(\frac{3}{5}t_A + \frac{2}{5}t_B = 80\). 3. Multiply both equations by \(5\): \(2t_A + 3t_B = 500\) and \(3t_A + 2t_B = 400\). 4. Multiply the first equation by \(3\): \(6t_A + 9t_B = 1500\). 5. Multiply the second equation by \(2\): \(6t_A + 4t_B = 800\). 6. Subtract: \(5t_B = 700\), so \(t_B = 140\). 7. Substitute into \(2t_A + 3t_B = 500\): \(2t_A + 420 = 500\), so \(t_A = 40\).

Answer

Printer A would take \(40\) minutes, and Printer B would take \(140\) minutes, or \(2\) hours \(20\) minutes.
Solve systems by elimination 100
Simplify the equations first, and then solve the system: \(\begin{cases} 0.4(2x - 5y) + 1.2 = 0.2x \\ \frac{x - 1}{2} = \frac{3y + 1}{4} - 0.25 \end{cases}\)

Hints

- Expand and simplify each equation before choosing a solving method. - Rewrite \(0.25\) as \(\frac{1}{4}\) when clearing denominators. - Put both equations in the form \(Ax + By = C\). - Reduce any fractions in the final answer.

Solution

1. Expand the first equation: \(0.8x - 2y + 1.2 = 0.2x\). 2. Rewrite it as \(0.6x - 2y = -1.2\), then multiply by \(10\): \(6x - 20y = -12\). 3. Multiply the second equation by \(4\): \(2(x - 1) = 3y + 1 - 1\). 4. Simplify: \(2x - 3y = 2\). 5. Multiply \(2x - 3y = 2\) by \(-3\): \(-6x + 9y = -6\). 6. Add the equations: \(-11y = -18\), so \(y = \frac{18}{11}\). 7. Substitute into \(2x - 3y = 2\): \(2x - \frac{54}{11} = 2\), so \(2x = \frac{76}{11}\) and \(x = \frac{38}{11}\).

Answer

The solution set is \(\left\{\left(\frac{38}{11}, \frac{18}{11}\right)\right\}\).
Solve systems by elimination 101
Consider the system (I) \(2x+5y=19\) (II) \(-3x+2y=0\). Maya keeps equation (I) and replaces equation (II) with the sum of equation (II) and twice equation (I). a) Write the replacement equation. b) Solve the transformed system by elimination. c) Explain why the replacement does not change the solution set.

Hints

- Combine corresponding coefficients and constants in the same way on both sides. - Choose a multiplier that makes one pair of variable terms opposites. - To justify equivalence, ask whether the original equation can be recovered from the replacement.

Solution

1. Twice equation (I) is \(4x+10y=38\). Adding it to equation (II) gives \(x+12y=38\). 2. Multiply the replacement equation by \(-2\) and add it to equation (I): \(-19y=-57\), so \(y=3\). 3. Substitute into \(x+12y=38\): \(x+36=38\), so \(x=2\). 4. Every solution of the original system satisfies the replacement equation. Conversely, subtracting twice the unchanged equation (I) from the replacement equation recovers equation (II), so no solutions are gained or lost.

Answer

a) The replacement equation is \(x+12y=38\). b) The solution set is \(\{(2, 3)\}\). c) The operation is reversible, so the original and transformed systems have the same solution set.
Solve systems by elimination 102
Equation (I) is \(3x-y=8\). Equation (II) was replaced by “equation (II) minus twice equation (I),” producing \(-5x+9y=-17\). a) Recover the original equation (II). b) Solve the original system.

Hints

- Undo the stated equation operation in reverse order. - Apply the reverse operation to both sides of the replacement equation. - Once the original pair is restored, choose coefficients that can be canceled.

Solution

1. Reverse the replacement by adding twice equation (I) to \(-5x+9y=-17\). 2. This gives \((-5x+9y)+2(3x-y)=-17+2\cdot8\), so the original equation (II) is \(x+7y=-1\). 3. Multiply equation (I) by \(-7\): \(-21x+7y=-56\). Subtract equation (II) to get \(-22x=-55\), so \(x=\frac{5}{2}\). 4. Substitute into equation (I): \(3\cdot\frac{5}{2}-y=8\), so \(y=-\frac{1}{2}\).

Answer

a) The original equation (II) is \(x+7y=-1\). b) The solution set is \(\left\{\left(\frac{5}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}\right)\right\}\).

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