Question 77·Medium·Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Variables
In the system of equations above, is the solution. What is the value of ?
For SAT system-of-equations questions that ask for an expression like rather than or alone, quickly solve the system using substitution or elimination with the simpler equation, then plug those values into the requested expression. Keep your algebra organized (especially signs when distributing and subtracting) and, before bubbling in, confirm that your pair satisfies both original equations and that you computed exactly the expression the question asks for.
Hints
Start with solving the system
Before finding , first find the actual values of and by solving the two equations together.
Use the easier equation for substitution
The equation is easy to solve for . Write in terms of and substitute into the other equation.
Be careful with negatives when substituting
When you plug your expression for into , remember that you are multiplying by , so distribute carefully.
Don’t forget what the question is asking for
After you find and , make sure you compute (in that order), not or .
Desmos Guide
Graph both equations
Enter the two equations into Desmos:
3x - 2y = 72x + y = 4Desmos will graph both lines.
Find the intersection point
Click on the point where the two lines intersect. Desmos will display its coordinates ; these are the solution values for and .
Compute x − y in Desmos
In a new expression line, type x0 - y0 but replace x0 and y0 with the actual - and -coordinates you read from the intersection point. The value shown is the that you should match to one of the answer choices.
Step-by-step Explanation
Isolate one variable using the simpler equation
Look at the second equation:
Solve it for :
Now you have written in terms of .
Substitute into the first equation and solve for x
Substitute into the first equation :
Distribute :
Combine like terms:
Add 8 to both sides:
Divide by 7:
Find y using the expression from Step 1
Use and substitute :
Compute and write as :
So the solution to the system is .
Compute x − y and select the matching choice
Now use the values of and to find :
So , which corresponds to answer choice C.