(08.05) maria wants to solve the following system using the elimination method: 4x + 9y = 59 x + y = 17 what number should the equation x + y = 17 be multiplied by to eliminate y?

For clarity please write only one equation per line:

4x + 9y = 59

x + y = 17

Supposing that we want to eliminate x, multiply the 2nd equation throughout by -4:

-4(x + y = 17) => -4x - 4y = -68.

Now add this result to the first equation, 4x + 9y = 59, obtaining:

4x + 9y = 59

-4x - 4y = -68

Combining these two equations results in 5y = 9; thus, y = 9/5.

If we want to eliminate y, then multiply x + y = 17 by -9, obtaining -9x - 9y = -153.

Now combine this result with 4x + 9y = 59:

4x + 9y = 59

-9x - 9y = -153

We get -5x = -94, or x = 94/5.