Answer:
x = -13, y = -3
Step-by-step explanation:
let a number = x; the other = y
x = 3y - 4
x + y = -16
Isolate the y in the second equation. Subtract x from both sides
x (-x) + y = -16 (-x)
y = -16 - x
Plug in -16 - x for y
x = 3(-16 - x) - 4
Simplify. Distribute 3 to all terms within the parenthesis
x = -3x - 48 - 4
x = -3x - 52
Isolate the x. Add 3x to both sides
x (+3x) = -3x (+3x) - 52
4x = -52
Divide 4 from both sides
(4x)/4 = (-52)/4
x = -52/4
x = -13
Plug in -13 for x in one of the equations:
x + y = -16
(-13) + y = -16
Isolate the x. Add 13 to both sides
y - 13 (+13) = -16 (+13)
y = -16 + 13
y = -3
Answers: x = -13, y = -3
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