Question

How do you solve the system of equations `7x - 8y = - 16` and `8y - 7x = 16`?

Answer 1

The system is indeterminable, which means that it cannot be solved.

Explanation:

If `7x-8y=-16` and `8y-7x=16`,
if you add them together you only get `0=0`

The two equations only say the same regarding the relation between x and y, and can, therefore, not give any value.

Both say that `7x=8y-16`, and you need a different equation that gives a different result.