sat suite question viewer
y=3x+9
3y=8x−6
The solution to the given system of equations is (x,y). What is the value of x−y?
Explanation
Choice D is correct. The first equation in the given system of equations defines y as 3x+9. Substituting 3x+9 for y in the second equation in the given system of equations yields 3(3x+9)=8x−6. Applying the distributive property on the left-hand side of this equation yields 9x+27=8x−6. Subtracting 8x from both sides of this equation yields x+27=−6. Subtracting 27 from both sides of this equation yields x=−33. Substituting −33 for x in the first equation of the given system of equations yields y=3(−33)+9, or y=−90. Substituting −33 for x and −90 for y into the expression x−y yields −33−(−90), or 57.
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of x+y, not x−y.
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of x, not x−y.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.