I will solve this equation simultaneously by Substitution. 
- x + y = 2 
5x + 4y = 17 
Solve - x + y = 2 for y: 
- x + y + x = 2 + x (here we add x to both sides) 
y = x + 2
Substitute x + 2 for y in 5x + 4y = 17 
5x + 4y = 17 
5x + 4(x + 2) = 17 
5x + 4x + 8 = 17 
9x + 8 = 17 (simplify both sides of the equation) 
9x + 8 + (-8) = 17 + (-8) (add -8 to both sides) 
9x = 9 
9x/9 = 9/9 (divide both sides by 9) 
x = 1 
Substitute 1 for x in y = x + 2 
y = x + 2 
y = 1 + 2 
y = 3 ( simplify both sides of the equation) 
Therefore x = 1 and y = 3