Addition/Elimination Method

by J. M. M.
(.)

I am having trouble solving this problem...

4x-5y=7
-4x+5y=7

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Response from Algebra-class.com

This problem seems tricky because your variables are set up to cancel each other out automatically.

4x - 5y = 7
-4x + 5y = 7

When you add these two equations together, you will end up with:

0 + 0 = 14

0 = 14

Since 0=14 is not a true statement, that means there are no real solutions to this system of equations. These two lines have the exact same slope; and therefore, will be parallel lines. Since parallel lines never intersect, there is no solution to the system of equations.

Hope this helps.

Karin

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