Expert: Bobby Soltani - 8/17/2004

Question
Please solve and show your work.  I can't get answers that work when I plug them back into the original equations.  Thanks

5x-y=2
x+2y=1

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

5x-y=2
x+2y=1

solve the first equation for y.

-y = 2-5x
y = 5x-2

substitute this y into the second equation.

x+2(5x-2)=1

solve for x

x+10x-4 = 1
11x = 5
x = 5/11

now put this value into the equation y = 5x-2 to solve for y.

y = 5(5/11)-2
y = 25/11 - 2
y = 25/11 - 22/11
y = 3/11

Check the answer by plugging them back into the original equations.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bobby