Y = -3x - 1......so we sub in -3x - 1 in for y in the other equation
2x + 5y = 12 2x + 5(-3x - 1) = 12....now distribute the 5 through the parenthesis 2x - 15x - 5 = 12...add 5 to both sides 2x - 15x = 12 + 5..combine like terms -13x = 17...divide both sides by -13 x = -17/13 now sub in -17/13 for x in the other equation y = -3x - 1 y = -3(-17/13) - 1 y = 51/13 - 1 y = 51/13 - 13/13 y = 38/13