Which step should always be performed first when preparing to use the elimination method on a pair of linear equations?

• A. Multiply both equations by their leading coefficients to create large integers that make elimination obvious.
• B. Write both equations in standard form so x and y terms and the constants are aligned vertically.
• C. Immediately isolate a variable in both equations to perform substitution rather than elimination.
• D. Graph both equations first to determine the exact point of intersection before doing any algebraic manipulation.

Answer: (B)