Question 74478
At that point, the x and y values are the same in all the equations.  Using the first two equations, you can find values for x and y; and then use those values in the third and fourth equations to find a and b.


From first equation:  {{{y=3x-17}}}


Substituting into second equation:     {{{2x+5*(3x-17)=17}}}


   so {{{x=6}}}  and from first equation {{{y=1}}}


Using third equation:     {{{8=a+b}}}  so  {{{a=8-b}}}


Substituting into fourth equation:    {{{5=3b-5*(8-b)}}}


     so {{{b=45/8}}}   and from third equation  {{{a=19/8}}}


The ratio of a to b is 19:45