To solve the system of linear equations by elimination, we need to eliminate one of the variables by adding or subtracting the equations. Here, we can add the two equations to eliminate \( y \).
Step 1: Set Up the Equations
We start with the system of equations:
\[
\begin{array}{l}
7x + y = -9 \quad (1) \\
-8x - y = 5 \quad (2)
\end{array}
\]
Step 2: Eliminate \( y \)
To eliminate \( y \), we can add equations (1) and (2):
\[
(7x + y) + (-8x - y) = -9 + 5
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
-x = -4 \implies x = 4
\]
Step 3: Substitute \( x \) Back to Find \( y \)
Now, we substitute \( x = 4 \) back into equation (1):
\[
7(4) + y = -9
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
28 + y = -9 \implies y = -9 - 28 = -37
\]
Final Answer
The solution to the system of equations is:
\[
\boxed{(x = 4, y = -37)}
\]