If \(2x + y = 18\) and \(3x = 17 + y,\) what is the value of \(x?\)

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If \(2x + y = 18\) and \(3x = 17 + y,\) what is the value of \(x?\)

A. 1
B. 4
C. 7
D. 9
E. 13

Answer: C

Source: Veritas Prep

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Vincen wrote:
Thu Mar 24, 2022 1:04 pm
If \(2x + y = 18\) and \(3x = 17 + y,\) what is the value of \(x?\)

A. 1
B. 4
C. 7
D. 9
E. 13

Answer: C

Source: Veritas Prep
Let's use the elimination method...

GIVEN:
2x + y = 18
3x = 17 + y

Take 3x = 17 + y and subtract y from both sides to get: 3x - y = 17

We now have:
2x + y = 18
3x - y = 17

ADD the two equations to get: 5x = 35
Solve: x = 7

Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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