Solve the System

[KEYWEST17]

I multiplied the top expression by three to cancel out the top and bottom equation?

x1=? +______
x2=? +_______

 

[tkhunny]

"to cancel out the top and bottom equation"

Was that really your goal?

You did not "cancel out" anything. You were left with a result. What was your result? How do you interpret this result?

Hint: Dependent, Independent

 

[KEYWEST17]

Not really sure what you mean. Need some help to get the idea of how to do it. Thanks!

 

[tkhunny]

I don't agree with this assessment. The fact that you multiplied one equation by a constant and subtracted the two equations is excellent evidence that you do have an idea how to do it. What you don't have is an idea how to interpret what you see.

Hint: When attempting to solve a simple equation, three outcomes can result.

1) x = 4 -- Done. One solution.
2) 3 = 7 -- That's no good. No solution. There is no value of 'x' that will make this true.
3) 0 = 0 -- You tell me what this might mean. What value of 'x' will make this true?