Expert: Bobby Soltani - 12/28/2005

Question
what does the x equal in the soulution of the system of equations below ?

y=2x+2
y=1/2x+5

Answer
Hi Michelle,

There are several ways to solve this problem.  Here's one.

1.  y = 2x+2
2.  y = 1/2x+5

substitute 2x + 2 in for y in the second equation.

2x + 2 = (1/2)x + 5
subtract 1/2x from both sides

(3/2)x + 2 = 5
subtract 2 from both sides

(3/2)x = 3
multiply both sides by 2/3

x = 2

now, substitute x = 2 into the first equation to solve for y.

y = 2*2 + 2

y = 6

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bobby