1. Example 2B: Solving Linear Systems by Elimination
Use elimination to solve the system of equations.
3x + 5y = –16
2x + 3y = –9
Step 1 To eliminate x, multiply both sides of the first equation by 2 and both sides of the second equation by –3.
2(3x + 5y) = 2(–16)
–3(2x + 3y) = –3(–9)
6x + 10y = –32
–6x – 9y = 27
Add the equations.
y = –5
First part of the solution

2. Example 2B Continued
Step 2 Substitute the y-value into one of the original equations to solve for x.
3x + 5(–5) = –16
3x = 9
3x – 25 = –16
x = 3
Second part of the solution
The solution for the system is (3, –5).

3. Example 2B: Solving Linear Systems by Elimination
Check Substitute 3 for x and –5 for y in each equation.
3x + 5y = –16
2x + 3y = –9
–16
3(3) + 5(–5)
2(3) + 3(–5) –9 