Elimination Using Multiplication
Multiplying Both Equations to Simplify the System
For some systems of equations, one equation must be multiplied
by a fraction in order to make elimination by addition or
subtraction possible. Since multiplication of integers is easier,
both equations are multiplied by nonzero numbers so that the
coefficients of a variable in the equations become equal (or
opposite).
Example 1
Solve the system of equations.
2x + 9y = 7
3x + 7y = 4
Solution
One approach is to multiply the first equation by , and then subtract the
resulting equation from the second one. This method works, but
involves fractional arithmetic. Another approach is to multiply
the first equation by 3 and the second by 2, to get an equivalent
system of equations.
3(2x + 9y = 7 ) |
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6x + 27y = 21 |
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2(3x + 7y = 4 ) |
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6x + 14y = 8 |
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6x + 27y = 21 |
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( - ) 6x + 14y = 8 |
Subtract the equations. |
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0 + 13y = 13 |
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13y = 13 |
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y = 1 |
Divide each side by 13. |
Now substitute 1 for y in the second equation.
6x + 14y = 8 |
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6x + 14(1) = 8 |
Replace y with 1. |
6x = -6 |
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x = -1 |
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The solution is ( -1, 1).
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