A.M.
Hi Ellen,
2 feet per chicken (x)
4 feet per pig (y)
2x + 4y = 70 feet
x + y = 26 heads
x= 26-y
**plug our new value for x (26-y)into the first formula:
2(26-y) + 4y =70
52-2y +4y = 70
52 +2y = 70
2y=70-52
2y= 18
y = 9
x +9 = 26
x= 26-9
x = 17
ANSWER: 9 pigs and 17 chickens
(you could also solve for x first and then plug it into the x+y=26 for y.) Hope this helps. send me a message if you have a question.
A.