The system of equations is solved using the linear combination method. startlayout 1st row 1st column one-half x + 4 y = 8 right-arrow 2nd column negative 2 (one-half x + 4 y = 8) right-arrow 3rd column negative x minus 8 y = negative 16 2nd row 1st column 3 x + 24 y = 12 right-arrow 2nd column one-third (3 x + 24 y = 12) right arrow x + 8 y = 4 with bar underscript 3rd row 3rd column 0 = negative 12 endlayout