Try seeing the problem as -2(y) + x(-3) If you plug in 3 in place of y, you’ll get -2(3) + x(-3). If you solve the first half of the equation, you’ll be left with -6 + x(-3) Repeat this step with x, by plugging in -5 in place of x -6 + -5(-3) A positive * a positive = a negative, so your equation should look like -6 + 15 If you flip it around, you’ll be left with a simple problem, and answer 15 - 6 = 9
