<PRE><B>Question 289138</B>
9x + 8y = 14
-4x + y = 12

First, we need to make one variable subtractable (or addable) from the other.  In this case, I choose y.  Multiple the second equation by 8:

9x + 8y = 14
-32x + 8y = 96

Now, subtract the second equation from the first:

41x = -82
{{{highlight(x = -2)}}}

Substitute the x = -2 into the first equation:

9(-2) + 8y = 14
-18 + 8y = 14
8y = 32
{{{highlight(y = 4)}}}

Prove the answer, substituting into the original equations:
-18 + 32 = 14.  OK.
8 + 4 = 12.  OK.</PRE>