If $2x + y = 13$ and $4x - y = 17$, find the value of $(x - y)$.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:33 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Adding the two equations:
$$2x + y = 13$$
$$4x - y = 17$$
Adding: $6x = 30 \Rightarrow x = 5$
Substituting in $2x + y = 13$: $10 + y = 13 \Rightarrow y = 3$
Therefore, $x - y = 5 - 3 = \mathbf{2}$
Source: Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Elimination Method)
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Explanation
- Add the two equations to eliminate $y$ (since $+y$ and $-y$ cancel directly) — this is the elimination method.
- Find $x$ first, then substitute back to find $y$.
- The question asks for $(x - y)$, not individual values, so make sure to compute and state the final answer clearly.
- Examiners award 1 mark for correct $x$ and $y$, and 1 mark for the correct value of $(x - y)$.