Final answer:
To solve the system of equations 5x - y = 44 and -3x - y = -12, we can use the method of elimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the system of equations 5x - y = 44 and -3x - y = -12, we can use the method of elimination. We'll add the two equations together to eliminate the variable y.
Adding the equations gives (5x - y) + (-3x - y) = 44 + (-12), which simplifies to 2x = 32. Divide both sides by 2: x = 16.
Substitute the value of x back into one of the original equations. Let's choose the first equation: 5(16) - y = 44. Simplifying gives 80 - y = 44. Subtract 80 from both sides: -y = -36. Multiply both sides by -1: y = 36.
Therefore, the solution to the system of equations is x = 16 and y = 36.