To solve problems like this you can either graph or solve mathematically. To do the ladder we need to solve for one variable at a time. So lets cancel one variable out. Multiply equation 1 by 2 This will give 4x-2y=14 Now we can get rid of y by subtracting 2 from 1 This will give x=9 Plug back in to either equation, i will use equation 2 3(9)-2y=5 simplify -2y=-22 solve Y=11