Bunuel
What is the value of x?
(1) 5x + 3y = 15
(2) y = 5 – (5/3)x
Kudos for a correct solution. MAGOOSH OFFICIAL SOLUTIONSince (1) is a linear equation with two variables, it will allow you to solve for x only in terms of y. So that statement is insufficient by itself, eliminate answers A and D. This leaves B, C, and E.
Since (2) is also a linear equation with two variables, it will allow you to solve for x only in terms of y. So that statement is insufficient by itself, eliminate B. This leaves C and E.
You might be tempted to choose C, because (1) and (2) together give you two linear equations with the same two variables. As we’ve seen though, we must first make sure that the two equations are distinct. To see whether they are in fact the same equation in different guises, rewrite one of them—say Statement (1)—in the form that other already has.
So let’s solve for y using (1).
5x + 3y = 15
Subtract 5x from each side.
3y=15-5x
Divide each side by 3.
y = 5 – (5/3)x
So (1) and (2) are in fact the same equation.
The correct answer is E.