Computer Science I / Systems of Linear Equations
Practice question · Put in order

Order the steps of solving 'x + y = 5, 2x + y = 8' by elimination.

Hints
  1. Elimination first removes one variable by combining equations.
  2. Once one variable is known, back-substitute to find the other.
Show the answer
  1. Subtract the first equation from the second to cancel y
  2. This gives x = 3
  3. Substitute x = 3 into x + y = 5
  4. Solve to get y = 2
Why

Subtracting cancels y because both equations have +y: (2x+y)-(x+y) = x = 3. Then substitution recovers y = 2. Eliminate, then back-substitute.

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