What are the values of x and y?

 a) 3x + 5y =  26  

b) 2x + 2y = 12

Step One: We need to find a way to equate either the x terms of the y terms in each equation. Multiply equation a) by 2 and equation b) by 3 to form the following equations.

a) 6x + 10y = 52

b) 6x + 6y = 36

Step Two: Take equation b) from equation a) to eliminate the x component.

  a) 6x + 10y = 52

 - b) 6x + 6y = 36

    0x    + 4y = 16

                 y = 4

Step Three: substitute the value of y into either equation to find the value of x.

b) 2x + 2y = 12

    2x + (2x4) =12

    2x + 8 = 12

    2x = 4

    x = 2

x=2 y=4