Question 161314
x = number 1
y = number 2


x + y = -17  (equation from statement 1 of problem)
x = 3y - 1  (equation from statement 2 of problem)


Let's plug that value of x into the first equation...

(3y - 1) + y = -17
4y - 1 = -17
4y  - 1 + 1 = -17 + 1
4y = -16
y = -16/4
y = -4


Now that we have y we can find x...

Plug that value of y into 1 of those equations (it doesn't matter which one)

x + -4 = -17

x + -4 + 4 = -17 + 4
x = -13


So your numbers are -4 and -13 :)