How do you solve the system x+2y=13 and -2x-3y=-18 using substitution?

2 Answers
May 29, 2017

x=-3 and y=8

Explanation:

Starting with x+2y=13, get x by itself on the left-hand side by subtracting 2y from both sides.

x=-2y+13

This gives us a new name for x, which we can plug back in to

-2color(red)(x)-3y=-18

-2(color(red)(-2y+13))-3y=-18

4y-26-3y=-18

Combine the terms with y

y-26=-18

Add 26 to both sides.

y=8

Now plug y=8 back into one of the two equations with both x and y still in it from above.

x=-2color(red)(y)+13

x=-2(color(red)(8))+13

x=-16+13

x=-3

ANSWER: x=-3 and y=8

May 29, 2017

x = -3

y = 8

Explanation:

Since,

x + 2y = 13

Then,

x = 13 - 2y

Substuting [x = 13 - 2y] in the other equation, (-2x - 3y = -1), It becomes

-2(13 - 2y) - 3y = -18

Simplify,

-26 + 4y - 3y = -18

Which is the same as:

-26 + y = -18

Put y on the left side of the equal sign and actual numbers on the right

y = -18 + 26

y = 8

Go back and solve [x = 13 - 2y] for x, since you now know what y is:

x = 13 - 2(8)

x = 13 - 16

x = -3

Ta da! Please do correct if I'm wrong...
Cheers and all the best!