
so... first off, let arrange the variables, so they align vertically
thus

now.. let's try say.. elimination method
alrite, let's hose the "x"'s
so... we have a -8x atop and a 7/18x at the bottom, what the dickens can we multiply 7/18 so we can end up with with a positive 8? that way it becomes 8x and -8x + 8x = 0, effectively hosing the "x"s
hmm ok.. let's say... we need to multiply the 7/18 by "a".. .let's find out what "a" is then

low and behold, if we multiply then, 7/18 by 144/7, we end up with "8"
so let's do that for the 2nd equation then

alrite.. so..now we know y = -6, let us use that in the first equation then
