Question

Solve these equations for x. x = ?3x + y = 52y + 1 = x -3

Answer 1

$x=2$

1) Since we were told to find the x-value in this system we can use the Elimination Method:

But first, let's rearrange the 2nd equation

$\begin{gathered} \begin{bmatrix}3x+y=5\\ 2y+1=x-3\end{bmatrix} \\ 3x+y=5 \\ -x+2y=-4 \\ ---------- \end{gathered}$

2) Now let's multiply the first equation by 2, and divide the second by -1, and then we can add both equations simultaneously:

$\begin{gathered} 6x+2y=10 \\ x-2y=4 \\ ------------ \\ 7x=14 \\ x=\frac{14}{7} \\ x=2 \end{gathered}$