There are various ways to solve this. I will solve by elimination which seems easier: I multiply the top equation by 1/2 to get 1/4y so I can eliminate y: -3x/8 + 1y/4 = -1 Now add the second equation: 1x/5 - 1y/4 = -6 This gives: ------------------------------------ -3x/8 + 1x/5 = -7 Get a common denominator: -15x/40 + 8x/40 = -7 Now add fractions: -7x/40 = -7 Multiply by the reciprocal(-40/7): x = 7 × 40 / 7 Simplify: x = 40. Now plug in 40 for x in one of the equations and solve for y (2nd equation looks easier): 1(40)/5 - 1y/4 = -6 8 - y/4 = -6 subtract 8 -y/4 = -14 multiply by 4 -y = -56 y = 56.
So we got x=40 and y=(56) new lets check! -3(40)/4 + (56)/2 = -2 -3(10) + 28 = -2 -30 + 28 = -2 -2 = -2.
