If the solution of the system is {(x,y) : x-3y=4}, then both equation should have proportional coefficients:
[tex]\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac{-3}{q}=\dfrac{4}{8}.[/tex]
Solve it:
[tex]\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac{-3}{q},\\ \\1\cdot q=-3\cdot 2,\\q=-6.[/tex]
Check whether q=-6 is correct answer, substituting this value into the first ratio:
[tex]\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac{-3}{-6}=\dfrac{4}{8}.[/tex]
Answer: q=-6.