The given system is equivalent to THIS x + 9y = 5, (1) 4x + 9y = -7, (2) Subtract eq(1) from eq(2) (both sides). You will get 4x - x = -7 - 5, or 3x = - 12 ====> x == -4. Then from eq(1) 9y = 5 - x = 5 - (-4) = 9 ====> y = 1. Answer. The solution is (x,y) = (-4,1).