How do you determine the solution in terms of a system of linear equations for #x + 3y = -3#, #x - 4y = 11#?

1 Answer
Oct 10, 2015

#(x,y) = (3,-2)#

Explanation:

Given
[1]#color(white)("XXX")x+3y=-3#
[2]#color(white)("XXX")x-4y=11#

Subtract [2] from [1]
[3]#color(white)("XXX")7y=-14#

Divide both sides of [3] by #7#
[4]#color(white)("XXX")y=-2#

Substitute #(-2)# for #y# in [1]
[5]#color(white)("XXX")x+3(-2)=-3#

[6]#color(white)("XXX")x-6=-3#

[7]#color(white)("XXX")x=3#

Recommendation: verify by plugging #(3,-2)# for (#x,y)# back into the original equations.