Question

3x-5y=61

3x-y=17

Answer 1

3x - 5y = 61

3x - y = 17

multiply 1st by -1(3x - 5y = 61)
-3x + 5y = -61
3x - y = 17

ADD two equations
0 + 4y = - 44
4y = -44
y = -11

substitute y = -11 in 3x - y = 17
to find x
3x - y = 17
3x + 11 = 17
3x = 6
x = 2

check x = 2, y = -11 in one of the equations

I'll leave the check to you