Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Two Variable Systems of Linear Equations
Problem 29a
Textbook Question
Solve each system by elimination. In systems with fractions, first clear denominators. See Example 2. (2x-1)/3 + (y+2)/4 = 4 (x+3)/2 - (x-y)/2 = 3
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Clear the denominators in both equations. For the first equation, multiply every term by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, which is 12. For the second equation, multiply every term by the LCM of the denominators, which is 2.
Step 2: Distribute the multiplication across each term in both equations and simplify each equation to remove the fractions.
Step 3: Rearrange both equations to standard form, Ax + By = C, by moving all x and y terms to one side and constants to the other side.
Step 4: Use the elimination method to eliminate one variable. You can do this by adding or subtracting the equations from each other. Choose to eliminate the variable that will result in the simplest new equation.
Step 5: Solve for the remaining variable in the new equation obtained from step 4. Substitute this value back into one of the original equations to solve for the other variable.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Systems of Equations
A system of equations consists of two or more equations with the same variables. The goal is to find the values of the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously. In this case, we are dealing with a system of linear equations, which can be solved using various methods, including substitution, elimination, or graphing.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Systems of Linear Equations
Elimination Method
The elimination method involves manipulating the equations to eliminate one variable, making it easier to solve for the other. This is typically done by adding or subtracting the equations after aligning them appropriately. In the context of this question, it is essential to clear any fractions first to simplify the calculations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
How to Multiply Equations in Elimination Method
Clearing Denominators
Clearing denominators is the process of eliminating fractions from an equation by multiplying through by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. This step simplifies the equations, making them easier to work with, especially when applying the elimination method. It is crucial for ensuring that calculations remain straightforward and manageable.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Rationalizing Denominators
Watch next
Master Introduction to Systems of Linear Equations with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick Ford
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice