For substitution, you need to solve one equation in terms of the other. The easiest one would be the second one. So subtract over the x giving: y=4-x. From here you SUBSTITUTE it into the other one. 4x+3(4-x)=13 Distribute: 4x+12-3x=13 combine. x+12=13. Subtract x=1. From there, take that and substitute that into what you solved y. y=4-1=3. :)