Choice C is the correct answer. Multiply the second equation by 2 to eliminate $y$.

Step 1: Multiply second by 2: $6x - 2y = 16$

Step 2: Add to the first equation: $(7x + 2y) + (6x - 2y) = 31 + 16$$13x = 47$$x = \frac{47}{13}$

Non-integer. - First: $7(3) + 2(5) = 21 + 10 = 31$ ✓

• Second: $3(3) - 5 = 9 - 5 = 4 \ eq 8$

💡 Strategic Tip: Multiplying by 2 creates $-2y$ to cancel $+2y$.

Choice A is incorrect because$7(5) + 2(-2) = 31$ ✓, but $3(5) - (-2) = 17 \ eq 4$.

**Choice B is incorrect.

**Choice D is incorrect.