How many solutions does the system of equations 5x - 4y = - 85x4y=8 and 17x + 3y = - 1217x+3y=12 have?

1 Answer
Feb 8, 2018

There is one solution to the system, but 2 answers (x and y).

Explanation:

Solve first by getting a common base (same coefficient)

5x-4y=-85x4y=8 to 15x-12y=-2415x12y=24 (multiply by 3)

17x+3y=-1217x+3y=12 to 68x+12y=-4868x+12y=48 (multiply by 4)

Solve with elimination (add the 2 equations together):

83x=-7283x=72

(83x)/83=(-72)/8383x83=7283

x=-72/83x=7283

5*(-72/83)-4y=-85(7283)4y=8

-4y~~4.344y4.34

y~~1.084y1.084

There is one solution to the system, but 2 answers (x and y)