Solve the following pair of equations algebraically:
$101x + 102y = 304$
$102x + 101y = 305$
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:35 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Adding both equations:
$(101x + 102y) + (102x + 101y) = 304 + 305$
$203x + 203y = 609$
$x + y = 3$ … (1)
Subtracting equation 1 from equation 2:
$(102x + 101y) - (101x + 102y) = 305 - 304$
$x - y = 1$ … (2)
Adding (1) and (2): $2x = 4 \Rightarrow x = 2$
Substituting in (1): $2 + y = 3 \Rightarrow y = 1$
∴ x = 2, y = 1
Source: Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Elimination Method)
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Explanation
- The key trick here is to add and subtract the two equations directly — this instantly eliminates one variable each time, saving steps.
- Examiners expect you to show each algebraic step clearly: the addition/subtraction, the simplified equation, and the substitution back.
- Always write the final answer clearly as "x = …, y = …" for full marks.