The substitution method involves solving one equation for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation. This allows us to solve for the remaining variable.
x + 3y = 7
x = 7 - 3y
2x - y = 5
2(7 - 3y) - y = 5
14 - 6y - y = 5
14 - 7y = 5
-7y = 5 - 14
-7y = -9
y = \(\frac{-9}{-7}\)
y = \(\frac{9}{7}\)
x = 7 - 3y
x = 7 - 3(\(\frac{9}{7}\))
x = 7 - \(\frac{27}{7}\)
x = \(\frac{49}{7}\) - \(\frac{27}{7}\)
x = \(\frac{22}{7}\)
Answer: x = \(\frac{22}{7}\), y = \(\frac{9}{7}\)