x+ y = 5    2x-y = 4   solve x and y

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

X = 3 and Y = 2.  Here is how we find this.

What we have to do is use the first equation to get a value for y.  This is quite easy because all we must do is say

x + y = 5 so y = 5 -x

Now we plug that value into the second equation.

2x - (5-x) = 4

This becomes

2x - 5 + x = 4 (because you are subtracting negative x, you are in effect adding x)

3x - 5 = 4

3x = 9

x = 3

If x = 3, then 3 + y = 5 and y = 2

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

x+y = 5 ........(1)

2x-y = 4 .........(2)

Using the emimination method, let us add (1) and (2):

==> 3x = 9

==> x= 9/3 = 3

Now using the substituting method substotite in (1):

x+ y = 5

==> 3 + y = 5

==> y= 5-3 = 2

==> y= 2

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial