When solving a using the , there are three steps.
- Isolate a variable in one of the equations.
- Substitute the expression for that variable into the other equation and solve.
- Substitute this solution into one of the equations and solve for the value of the other variable.
For this exercise, y is already isolated in one equation, so we can skip straight to solving!
3x+2y=0 & (I) y= 12x-1 & (II)
3x+2( 12x-1)=0 y= 12x-1
3x+x-2=0 y= 12x-1
3x+x=2 y= 12x-1
4x=2 y= 12x-1
x= 24 y= 12x-1
x= 12 y= 12x-1
Great! Now, to find the value of y, we need to substitute x= 12 into either one of the equations in the given system. Let's use the second equation.
x= 12 y= 12x-1
x= 12 y= 12( 12)-1
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(II): Simplify right-hand side
x= 12 y= 14-1
x= 12 y= 14- 44
x= 12 y=- 34
The solution, or , to this system of equations is the point ( 12,- 34).
Checking Our Answer
To check our answer, we will substitute our solution into both equations. If doing so results in true statements, then our solution is correct.
3x+2y=0 & (I) y= 12x-1 & (II)
(I), (II): x= 1/2, y= -3/4
3( 12)+2( - 34)? =0 - 34? = 12( 12)-1
32- 32? =0 - 34? = 14-1
32- 32? =0 - 34? = 14- 44
(I), (II): Subtract fractions
0=0 âś“ - 34=- 34 âś“
Because both equations are true statements, we know that our solution is correct.