Solve for y for both equations then equate and solve:
5x + 9y = 160
9y = 160 - 5x
y = 160/9 - 5/9x
9x + 8y = 202
8y = 202 - 9x
y = 202/8 - 9/8x
160/9 - 5/9x = 202/8 - 9/8x (common denominator is 72)
1280/72 - 40/72x = 1818/72 - 81/72x
1818/72 - 1280/72 = 81/72x - 40/72x
538/72 = 41/72x
538 = 41x
538/41 = x
x = 13 5/41
