Choice C is the correct answer. The $2y$ terms are opposites, so we add the equations.

Step 1: Add the equations: $(3x + 2y) + (3x - 2y) = 16 + 8$$6x = 24$$x = 4$

Step 2: Substitute $x = 4$ into the first equation: $3(4) + 2y = 16$$12 + 2y = 16$$2y = 4$$y = 2$

Solution: $(4, 2)$

Verification: $3(4) - 2(2) = 12 - 4 = 8$ ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: Opposite coefficients signal that addition is the right move.

Choice A is incorrect because$3(3) + 2(3.5) = 9 + 7 = 16$ ✓, but $3(3) - 2(3.5) = 9 - 7 = 2 \ eq 8$.

Choice B is incorrect because$3(5) - 2(0.5) = 15 - 1 = 14 \ eq 8$.

Choice D is incorrect because$3(2) + 2(5) = 6 + 10 = 16$ ✓, but $3(2) - 2(5) = 6 - 10 = -4 \ eq 8$.