The above simplified is: 4y - x = 1
2y + x = 5
These 2 equations are in standard form. Let's use a method to solve it without changing them at all.
Add the 2 equations together, keeping the variables on the same side:
4y | -x | = | 1 |
+ (-2y) | + (-x) | = | + (-5) |
2y | + 0 | = | -4 |
Divide each side by 2, y = -2
Put the solution for y (-2) back into each equation. Then, solve for x.
If you had needed or wanted to, you could have multiplied the bottom equation by -2 to eliminate y, then solve for x. You can multiply both equations by numbers, as long as you remember to multiply both sides by that number.