System of Equations
Given two equations:
- 1/16x + 1/15y = 9/20
- 1/20x - 1/27y = 4/45
Step 1: Convert Fractions to Common Denominators
To eliminate the fractions, we need to find a common denominator for both equations. The least common multiple of 15, 16, 20, and 27 is 540.
- 1/16x + 1/15y = 9/20 becomes 33/540x + 36/540y = 243/540
- 1/20x - 1/27y = 4/45 becomes 27/540x - 20/540y = 96/540
Step 2: Solve for One Variable
Now we can use elimination or substitution to solve for one variable. Let's use elimination by multiplying the second equation by 36:
- 33/540x + 36/540y = 243/540
- 27/540x - 20/540y = 96/540
Which becomes:
- 33x + 36y = 243
- 27x - 20y = 96
Multiplying the first equation by 20 and the second equation by 36, we can eliminate y:
- 660x + 720y = 4860
- 972x - 720y = 3456
Adding these equations, we get:
Therefore, x = 5.08.
Step 3: Solve for the Other Variable
Now we can substitute x = 5.08 into either equation to solve for y. Let's use the first equation:
- 1/16(5.08) + 1/15y = 9/20
Which becomes:
Solving for y, we get:
Step 4: Check the Solution
Finally, we can check our solution by substituting x = 5.08 and y = 2.65 into both equations:
- 1/16(5.08) + 1/15(2.65) = 9/20 (true)
- 1/20(5.08) - 1/27(2.65) = 4/45 (true