Which method should be used to solve the system? Explain your answer, including a description of the first step. x2 + 2y2 = 168x2 + 7y2 = 25

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Either method may be used. Elimination may be used since the equations have the same types of terms (x2, y2, constant). If elimination is used, then the first equation should be multiplied by 8 or -8. Substitution may be used efficiently, since a coefficient of the first equation is 1. If substitution is used, then the first equation should be solved for x2.