Final answer:
To solve for X and Y in the equation 38.7 = 3X + 2.5Y, isolate one variable in terms of the other. X is equal to 12.9 minus two-thirds of Y, and Y is equal to 15.48 minus 1.2 times X.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for X and Y in the equation 38.7 = 3X + 2.5Y, we need to isolate one variable in terms of the other. Let's isolate X:
38.7 - 2.5Y = 3X
Divide both sides by 3
12.9 - (2/3)Y = X
So, X is equal to 12.9 minus two-thirds of Y. Now, let's solve for Y:
38.7 - 3X = 2.5Y
Divide both sides by 2.5
15.48 - 1.2X = Y
Therefore, X is equal to 12.9 minus two-thirds of Y, and Y is equal to 15.48 minus 1.2 times X.