The sum of two numbers is 24. Seven times the smaller number is the same as 5 times the larger number. Find the number. (Would anyone mind explaining it at a beginner's algebra 1 kind of explanation?)
You have to solve this by a system of equations by elimination. You have to get the first equation to have a positive 5 in it with the "y" so it cancels, or eliminates the -5 in the second equation. To do this, you multiply every quantity by 5.
5(x+y=24) 5x+5y=120
This new equation is equal to "x+y=24". Now, you add this equation to "7x-5y=0". To get the value of x because the y's cancel each other out.
5x+5y=120 +7x-5y=0
12x=120 x=10
Now substitute in the x value (10) into any one of the equations. I picked "x+y=24".
