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A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.

{:[5x+2y=23],[5x+3y=32]:}
Add to eliminate 
x.
Subtract to eliminate 
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Add to eliminate 
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Subtract to eliminate 
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A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.\newline5x+2y=235x+3y=32 \begin{array}{l} 5 x+2 y=23 \\ 5 x+3 y=32 \end{array} \newlineAdd to eliminate x \mathbf{x} .\newlineSubtract to eliminate x \mathbf{x} .\newlineAdd to eliminate y \mathbf{y} .\newlineSubtract to eliminate y \mathbf{y} .

Full solution

Q. A variable needs to be eliminated to solve the system of equations below. Choose the correct first step.\newline5x+2y=235x+3y=32 \begin{array}{l} 5 x+2 y=23 \\ 5 x+3 y=32 \end{array} \newlineAdd to eliminate x \mathbf{x} .\newlineSubtract to eliminate x \mathbf{x} .\newlineAdd to eliminate y \mathbf{y} .\newlineSubtract to eliminate y \mathbf{y} .
  1. Analyze Coefficients: Analyze the coefficients of xx and yy in both equations.\newlineWe have the system of equations:\newline5x+2y=235x + 2y = 23\newline5x+3y=325x + 3y = 32\newlineTo eliminate a variable, we need to make the coefficients of either xx or yy opposite in both equations so that when we add or subtract the equations, one variable cancels out.
  2. Compare Coefficients of xx: Compare the coefficients of xx in both equations.\newlineThe coefficients of xx in both equations are the same (55 and 55). This means we can eliminate xx by subtracting one equation from the other.
  3. Compare Coefficients of yy: Compare the coefficients of yy in both equations.\newlineThe coefficients of yy are 22 and 33, which are not the same and not opposites, so we cannot directly eliminate yy by adding or subtracting the equations without first multiplying one or both equations by a number to make the coefficients of yy opposites.
  4. Decide on Operation: Decide on the operation to eliminate xx. Since the coefficients of xx are already the same, we can subtract the second equation from the first to eliminate xx. (5x+2y)(5x+3y)=2332(5x + 2y) - (5x + 3y) = 23 - 32 This will eliminate xx because 5x5x=05x - 5x = 0.