When approaching a problem involving a system of equations, the first step is to identify the variables. This process is called variables identification, and it's crucial because it helps define the unknowns we are trying to find. In this exercise, we need to determine the amount of money Keiko has in two different accounts.
We designate these unknowns by variables:
- Let \( x \) represent the amount of money in the smaller account.
- Let \( y \) represent the amount of money in the larger account.
By clearly defining the variables, it becomes easier to formulate equations that reflect the problem's conditions. This step is vital in correctly setting up your equation system, as it allows subsequent steps to be more straightforward and logical.