\( 6 x+y=18 \) \( -7 x-8 y=-21 \)\( \quad \begin{array}{l}\text { What is the best first step? }\end{array} \)

To tackle this system of equations, a great first step is to isolate one of the variables in one of the equations. For instance, from the first equation, you can express \(y\) in terms of \(x\): \(y = 18 - 6x\). This makes it easier to substitute into the second equation. Once you have \(y\) in terms of \(x\), substitute that expression back into the second equation. This will give you a single equation with one variable, making it more straightforward to solve for \(x\). After finding \(x\), plug it back into your expression for \(y\) to find the corresponding value of \(y\). Happy solving!