A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.
-4x+y-35
-2x-y-7
Answer
Add to eliminate x.
Subtract to eliminate x.
Add to eliminate y.
Submit Answer
Subtract to eliminate y.
To eliminate a variable, we need to perform an operation (either addition or subtraction) that will result in the same coefficient for that variable in both equations. In this case, since we want to eliminate the variable x, we need to perform an operation that will result in the same coefficient for x in both equations.
The correct first step is to subtract the second equation from the first equation to eliminate x. This can be done by subtracting the second equation from the first equation as follows:
(-4x + y - 35) - (-2x - y - 7)
Simplifying this expression, we combine like terms:
-4x + y - 35 + 2x + y + 7
This simplifies to:
-2x + 2y - 28
Therefore, the correct first step is to subtract to eliminate x.