Givens
x = - 1/3
y = 3x - 2
Problem solve for y
y = 3(-1/3) - 2
but 3 * (1/3) = 1
and 3 * (- 1/3) = - 1
So y = -1 - 2
y = - 3
Think of this as a money question. If you are one dollar in the whole and you spend 2 more, you are not 3 in the whole which is minus 3.