This is a three-way linear equality. You can turn it into a system of two equations in two unknowns in 3 ways. Take your pick of any one of these 3 systems of equations: or or They simplify to or or Take your pick of which one to solve. You'll get the same answers for x and y no matter which one you pick to solve. It would be instructive for you to solve all three to see that you get the same answers. Edwin