1. The user asks if a system of equations can be solved by eliminating $x$ first. 2. Yes, solving by elimination involves adding or subtracting equations to remove one variable, allowing you to solve for the other. 3. For example, given the system: $$\begin{cases} a_1x + b_1y = c_1 \\ a_2x + b_2y = c_2 \end{cases}$$ To eliminate $x$, multiply each equation by suitable numbers so the coefficients of $x$ in both equations are opposites. 4. Then add the equations: $$ (k\cdot a_1)x + (k\cdot b_1)y = k\cdot c_1 $$ $$ (m\cdot a_2)x + (m\cdot b_2)y = m\cdot c_2 $$ Choose $k$ and $m$ so that $k\cdot a_1 + m\cdot a_2 = 0$. 5. Adding the equations cancels $x$, leaving an equation in $y$ only, which you can solve. 6. After finding $y$, substitute back into one original equation to find $x$. Thus, eliminating $x$ first is a valid and standard method to solve such systems.