Question

what is the first thing you want to do when solving a system of equations using the substitution method? put both equations in slope-intercept form. solve for either of the variables (your choice) so you have either x = and expression or y = an expression. solve one equation for x so you have x = some expression. rewatch

Explanation:

To solve a system of equations using the substitution method, the first step is to solve for one of the variables (either \(x\) or \(y\)) in one of the equations so that you have an expression like \(x=\text{[expression]}\) or \(y=\text{[expression]}\). The option "Solve for either of the variables (your choice) so you have either \(x =\) an expression or \(y =\) an expression" correctly describes this first step. The option "Put both equations in slope - intercept form" is more related to the graphing method or the elimination method in some cases, and the option "Solve one equation for \(x\) so you have \(x=\) some expression" is too restrictive as you can choose to solve for \(y\) as well.

Answer:

The correct option is: Solve for either of the variables (your choice) so you have either \(x =\) an expression or \(y =\) an expression.