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There’s only one way out of this … I have to solve this problem, or
I’ll set off the bobby trap. So the puzzle on the wall is ciphered
“Find the solution to the problem I show and press the correct ordered
pair on the wall, or instant death awaits.” The problem is to find
the solution of 2x – 3y = 3 and 5x + 2y = 17. Oh, and one more thing
I missed. It says, “You have until the sun touches the horizon, or
you will face a fate worse than death.” I only have three minutes,
and I can’t turn back because the way is blocked! Alright, I’ll just
have to find the answer fast, really fast. How did Mr. Romine say to
solve this? Oh yea! I remember. I’ll use elimination! So 32x – 3y =
3 and5xs + 2y = 17. Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second
by 3. I get 4x – 6y = 6 and 15x + 6y = 51. –6y and +6y cancel. Oh
man, only two minutes left. I have to pick up the pace. Combine all
the other like terms. 19x = 57. Divide by 19 on both sides. X = 3.
Good, my first coordinate. Plug x back in. I only have one minute
left! Thank God it’s not big numbers! 2(3) – 3y = 3. I cam out with
6 – 3y = 3. Hurry! Subtract 6 from both sides. –3y = 3. Come on!
Divide by –3 to get y = -1. Yes! The point is (3, -1)! I press it
and jump through the door just as spikes come out of the ceiling and a
pit of snakes surrounded by molten lava with demonic figures opens in
the floor. Whew! Thank goodness I pay attention in Algebra II.
“Simulator terminated.” Now let’s go try the real mission. |
