How do you solve x + y = 2x+y=2 and 2x + y = -12x+y=1 using substitution?

1 Answer
Mar 7, 2016

x = -3 and y = 5x=3andy=5

Explanation:

Since x+y = 2x+y=2, we can say that x = 2 - yx=2y.

We then substitute this into the equation 2x + y = -12x+y=1.

So it becomes 2(2 - y) + y = -12(2y)+y=1.

Open the bracket and simplify.

4 - 2y + y = -142y+y=1

4 - y = -14y=1

Add (1+y)(1+y) to both sides of the equation and simplify.

4 - y + (1+y) = -1 + (1+y)4y+(1+y)=1+(1+y)

4 cancel(-y) + (1+cancel(y)) = cancel(-1) + (cancel(1)+y)

5 = y

Substitute the value of y back in the first equation.

x = 2 - y

= 2 - 5

= -3

So we have x = -3 and y = 5. To check your answer. Substitute both values into both equations.

x+y = -3 + 5 = 2

2x+y = 2(-3) + 5 = -1

They match.