Question #N672
If 3x + 2y = 17 and x - y = 2, what is the value of x + y?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9
Correct Answer is: B
To solve for x + y, we can use elimination. Multiplying the second equation by 2, we get 2x - 2y = 4. Adding this equation to the first equation, we get (3x + 2y) + (2x - 2y) = 17 + 4, which simplifies to 5x = 21. Dividing both sides by 5, we get x = 4.2. Substituting 4.2 for x in the equation x - y = 2, we get 4.2 - y = 2. Subtracting 4.2 from both sides gives -y = -2.2, or y = 2.2. Therefore, x + y = 4.2 + 2.2 = 6.4, which is closest to 5.