Choice C is the correct answer. We use substitution since $y = 3x - 2$ is already isolated.

Step 1: Substitute $y = 3x - 2$ into $x + y = 14$: $x + (3x - 2) = 14$$4x - 2 = 14$$4x = 16$$x = 4$

Step 2: Find $y$ using $y = 3x - 2$: $y = 3(4) - 2 = 12 - 2 = 10$

Solution: $(4, 10)$

Verification: $4 + 10 = 14$ ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: When y is isolated, substitute directly into the other equation.

Choice A is incorrect because$5 + 13 = 18 \ eq 14$.

Choice B is incorrect because$3 + 7 = 10 \ eq 14$.

Choice D is incorrect because$6 + 8 = 14$ ✓, but $8 \ eq 3(6) - 2 = 16$.