4(3y-20)+8y=20: substitute the second equation into the first equation (hence the name solving by substitution) 12y-80+8y=20: distribute 4 to 3y and 4 to 20 20y-80=20: combine like terms (12y+8y) 20y=100: add 80 to 20 y=5: divide 100 by 20 and you get 5