ASVAB · Algebra Basics and Equations

Solve the system: x + y = 10 and x − y = 4

Correct answer

x = 7, y = 3

  1. A x = 3, y = 7
  2. B x = 7, y = 3
  3. C x = 6, y = 4
  4. D x = 5, y = 5

Why this is the answer

System of two equations in two unknowns. Elimination method (often easiest for ASVAB): add the equations to eliminate y. (x + y) + (x − y) = 10 + 4, giving 2x = 14, so x = 7. Substitute back: 7 + y = 10, so y = 3. Verify both: 7 + 3 = 10 ✓ and 7 − 3 = 4 ✓. Substitution method: solve first equation for y: y = 10 − x; substitute into second: x − (10 − x) = 4; simplify: 2x − 10 = 4; solve: x = 7; then y = 3. Both methods give the same answer. Elimination works well when adding or subtracting eliminates a variable (coefficients are opposites or equal); substitution works when one equation is easily solved for a variable. On multiple-choice tests, you can also test answers by substituting — efficient for systems.
Source: ASVAB Math Knowledge — Systems of Equations

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About this topic: Algebra Basics and Equations

Algebra basics cover solving linear equations and inequalities, working with expressions, substitution and simple systems. Do the same operation to both sides, and check your answer by substituting it back. This is one of 17 Mathematics Knowledge questions on algebra basics and equations, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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