The system of equations is:
Insight: We can solve this system using the elimination method. To eliminate one of the variables, we need to find a common multiple for the coefficients of either 'a' or 'b'. Multiplying the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 3 will allow us to eliminate 'b'.
Step-by-step solution:
- Step 1: Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second equation by 3 to make the coefficients of 'b' have the same absolute value.
2 * (2a + 3b) = 2 * 0 => 4a + 6b = 0
3 * (7a - 2b) = 3 * -25 => 21a - 6b = -75 - Step 2: Now we have:
4a + 6b = 0
21a - 6b = -75 - Step 3: Add the two modified equations together to eliminate 'b'.
(4a + 6b) + (21a - 6b) = 0 + (-75)
4a + 6b + 21a - 6b = -75
25a = -75 - Step 4: Solve for 'a'.
a = -75 / 25
a = -3 - Step 5: Substitute the value of 'a' (-3) back into the original first equation (2a + 3b = 0) to solve for 'b'.
2(-3) + 3b = 0
-6 + 3b = 0 - Step 6: Solve for 'b'.
3b = 6
b = 6 / 3
b = 2
Answer: a = -3, b = 2