In the seven-step method for solving a system of equations by elimination, what is the first step?

1. The method begins by writing both equations in standard form and clearing any fraction coefficients. 2. Only once both equations are in that form does the method move to making one variable's coefficients opposites. 3. Adding the equations and substituting back come even later, after the coefficients have already been made opposite. _Source: OpenStax Elementary Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 "Systems of Linear Equations", section 5.3 Solve Systems of Equations by Elimination_