Question

How do you solve the system using the elimination method for 3a + 5b – 7 = 0 and a – 2b – 4 = 0?

Answer 1

`a=34/11 and b=-5/11`

Explanation:

Let `3a+5b-7=0` be equation (1); and `a-2b-4=0` be equation (2).

Multiplying (2) by 3 gives: `3a-6b-12=0` (Let’s call this (2A))

Eliminate `b`’s by subtracting (2A) from (1) gives: `11b+5=0->b=-5/11`

Substituting `b=5/11` into (2) gives `a-2(-5/11)-4=0->a=34/11`