2x - y = - 1

5x + 4y = 17

You will need to use simultaneous equations.

Method:

Get both equations to have the same subject, in this case we will multiply the first equation by 4

1) 2x-y = - 1

Becomes

1) 8x-4y = - 4

Then make both equations equal to 4y.

1) 8x+4 = 4y

2) 4y = - 5x + 17

Because they both equal 4y, that means they are equal to each other.

8x+4 = - 5x+17

Now solve for x.

13x = 13

x = 1

Now that we have x, we can substitute it back into either equation to get y. I will use equation 1 because it is less complex.

2x-y = - 1

2 (1) - y = - 1

y = 3