Solve algebraically: 1) 6a + b = 16, 2) 5a - 2b = 19

Firstly multiply the first equation by 2 resulting in the equation 12a + 2b = 32. Following this, add the first equation to the second equation, this will result in the 2b cancelling out with just 17a = 51. Divide this equation by 17 to get the result a=3.
You can use this result in your original equation replacing the variable a with your answer so you for example in the second equation instead of 5a - 2b = 19, you would now have 5(3) - 2b = 19. Simplify this equation to get the result 15 - 2b = 19, simplify further to get -2b = 4. Lastly divide both sides by -2 to get the answer b = -2