Answer
a = 3 and b = -4
↓Steps Explained:↓
Use the substitution method to solve:
1a - 5b = 23
Check Format
Equation 2 is in the correct format.
Rearrange Equation 2 to solve for a:
a - 5b = 23
Add 5b to both sides to isolate a
a - 5b + 5b = 23 + 5b
a = 23 + 5b
Now divide both sides by 1:
| a | |
| 1 |
| = |
| 23 + 5b |
| 1 |
Plug Revised Equation 2 value into a:
5(a) - 2b = 23
5 * ((23 + 5b)/1) - 2b = 23
115 + 25b - 2b = 23
Group like terms:
25b - 2b = 23 - 115
23b = -92
Divide each side by 23
| 23b | |
| 23 |
| = |
| -92 |
| 23 |
| b = | -92 |
| 23 |
b = -4
Plug this answer into Equation 1
5a - 2(-4) = 23
5a + 8 = 23
5a = 23 - 8
5a = 15
Divide each side by 5
| 5a | |
| 5 |
| = |
| 15 |
| 5 |
| a = | 15 |
| 5 |
a = 3
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