x + y = x - y =
Before you do anything else get rid of those fractions.
Multiply the first equation through by the LCD of 4:
4·x + 4·y = 4·
2x + 3y = -7
Multiply the second equation through by the LCD of 6:
6·x - 6·y = 6·
5x - y = 8
Now the system is
2x + 3y = -7
5x - y = 8
Solve the second equation for y
-y = 8 - 5x
Divide through by -1
y = -8 + 5x
Substitute -8 + 5x for y in the
first equation:
2x + 3y = -7
2x + 3(-8 + 5x) = -7
2x - 24 + 15x = -7
17x = 17
x = 1
Substitute 1 for x in
y = -8 + 5x
y = -8 + 5(1)
y = -8 + 5
y = -3
Solution: (x,y) = (1,-3)
Edwin