# Math Help - [SOLVED] solving a system

1. ## [SOLVED] solving a system

Can someone point me in the right direction to solve this system of equations?

$x^2 + y^2 = 25$
$3x^2 - 16y = 0$

I'm trying to use substitution to get the answer. However, regardless of which direction I go, the answers get hopelessly convoluted. Can someone point me at how to start?

2. Originally Posted by satis
Can someone point me in the right direction to solve this system of equations?

$x^2 + y^2 = 25$
$3x^2 - 16y = 0$

I'm trying to use substitution to get the answer. However, regardless of which direction I go, the answers get hopelessly convoluted. Can someone point me at how to start?
$x^2 = 25 - y^2$

$3(25-y^2) - 16y = 0$

$75 - 3y^2 - 16y = 0$

$3y^2 + 16y - 75 = 0$

$(3y+25)(y-3) = 0$

$y = -\frac{25}{3}$

$y = 3$

$x^2 = 25 - \left(-\frac{25}{3}\right)^2 = -\frac{400}{9}
$

no solution for x in this equation. this y-value is invalid.

$x^2 = 25 - 9 = 16$

$x = \pm 4$

so, two solutions ... (4,3) and (-4,3)

3. excellent, thank you, that was precisely what I needed.