Answer:
x = -5
y = -8
Explanation:
-5x - 2y = 41
2x + 2y = - 26
We can treat these two equations as if we're adding them.
Note** Positive plus negative (or negative plus positive) is subtraction
Starting with the X's
-5x + 2x = -3x
Y's
-2y + 2y = 0... 0, meaning the Y's have faced elimination. They are no longer in the equation
Numbers
41 + -26 (adding a negative, so subtraction)...
41-26 = 15
Now that we have everything, let's put it together
-3x = 15
Now dividing by -3 to get the X alone, you get
X = -5
Since we have X, we can use either equation that was originally in the question to solve for Y. Let's use the first one.
-5x - 2y = 41
-5(-5) -2y = 41
25-2y=41
-2y = 16
y= -8
Let's use the other one too just to prove
2x + 2y = - 26
2(-5) + 2y = -26
-10+2y=-26
2y = -16
y= -8