Question 811225
The elimination method is when you add the equations together.  you want to change the equations so a or b cancels out.  To do this make them complete opposites.


a+6b=7
a+2b=-1


we want the a to cancels out.  multiply the top equation by -1


-a-6b=-7


now add this to a+2b=-1


-a-6b=-7
a+2b=-1


now add


0a-4b=-8
-4b=-8
b=2


plug b into the first equation


a+6(2)=7
a+12=7
a=-5


a=-5 and b=2 is your answer.