Choice C is the correct answer. The $3y$ terms are opposites, so we add the equations.

Step 1: Add the equations: $(2x + 3y) + (2x - 3y) = 17 + 7$$4x = 24$$x = 6$

Step 2: Substitute $x = 6$ into the first equation: $2(6) + 3y = 17$$12 + 3y = 17$$3y = 5$$y = \frac{5}{3}$

Solution: $(6, \frac{5}{3})$

Verification: $2(6) - 3(\frac{5}{3}) = 12 - 5 = 7$ ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: Don't be afraid of fractional answers—they're common on the SAT.

Choice A is incorrect because$2(5) + 3(\frac{7}{3}) = 10 + 7 = 17$ ✓, but $2(5) - 3(\frac{7}{3}) = 10 - 7 = 3 \ eq 7$.

Choice B is incorrect because$2(7) + 3(1) = 14 + 3 = 17$ ✓, but $2(7) - 3(1) = 14 - 3 = 11 \ eq 7$.

Choice D is incorrect because$2(4) + 3(3) = 8 + 9 = 17$ ✓, but $2(4) - 3(3) = 8 - 9 = -1 \ eq 7$.