5x + 4y = 8
2x - 3y = 17
(multiply the bottom equation by -2.5)
5x + 4y = 8
+
-5x + 7.5y = -42.5
—————————
(5x’s cancel out)
11.5y = -34.5
—— ———
11.5 11.5
y = -3
(Plug y in the equations to find x)
5x + 4(-3) = 8
5x - 12 = 8
5x = 20
—-
5
x = 4
(confirm using the other equation)
2(4) - 3(-3) = 17
8 + 9 = 17
17 does equal 17!