Solve {l}{240=b}{400=60a+b}

$$\left\{ \begin{array} { l } { 240 = b } \\ { 400 = 60 a + b } \end{array} \right.$$

Solve for b, a

$$b=240$$

$$a = \frac{8}{3} = 2\frac{2}{3} \approx 2.666666667$$

Solution Steps

Consider the first equation. Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$b=240$$

Consider the second equation. Insert the known values of variables into the equation.

$$400=60a+240$$

Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$60a+240=400$$

Subtract 240 from both sides.

$$60a=400-240$$

Subtract 240 from 400 to get 160.

$$60a=160$$

Divide both sides by 60.

$$a=\frac{160}{60}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{160}{60} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 20.

$$a=\frac{8}{3}$$

The system is now solved.

$$b=240 a=\frac{8}{3}$$