Two (2) methods for solving simultaneous equation.
one (1) example in each method and list a step-by-step solution in implementing the method.
The simultaneous linear equations can be solved using various methods. There are three
different approaches to solve the simultaneous equations such as substitution, elimination, and
augmented matrix method. Among these three methods, the two simplest methods will
effectively solve the simultaneous equations to get accurate solutions. Here we are going to
discuss these two important methods, namely,
Simultaneous Linear Equations Using Elimination Method
The elimination method is one of the techniques to solve the system of linear
equations. In this method, either add or subtract the equations to get the equation in
one variable.
Simultaneous Linear Equations Using Substitution Method
The method of substitution involves three steps: Solve one equation for one of the variables.
Substitute (plug-in) this expression into the other equation and solve. Resubstitute the value into
the original equation to find the corresponding variable.
Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations Using Elimination Method
Go through the solved example given below to understand the method of solving simultaneous
equations by the elimination method along with steps.
Example: Solve the following simultaneous equations using the elimination method.
4a + 5b = 12,
3a – 5b = 9
Solution:
The two given equations are
4a + 5b = 12 …….(1)
3a – 5b = 9……….(2)
Step 1: The coefficient of variable ’b’ is equal and has the opposite sign to the other equation. Add
equations 1 and 2 to eliminate the variable ‘b’.
Step 2: The like terms will be added.
(4a+3a) +(5b – 5b) = 12 + 9
7a = 21
Step 3: Bring the coefficient of a to the R.H.S of the equation
a = 21/ 7
Step 4: Dividing the R.H. S of the equation, we get a = 3
Step 5: Now, substitute the value a=3 in the equation (1), it becomes
4(3) + 5b = 12,
12 + 5b = 12
5b = 12-12
5b =0
b = 0/5 = 0
Step 6: Hence, the solution for the given simultaneous equations is a = 3 and b = 0.
Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations Using Substitution Method
Below is the solved example with steps to understand the solution of simultaneous linear equations
using the substitution method in a better way.
Example: Solve the following simultaneous equations using the substitution method.
b= a + 2
a + b = 4.
Solution:
The two given equations are
b = a + 2 ————–(1)
a + b = 4 ————–(2)
We will solve it step-wise:
Step 1: Substitute the value of b into the second equation. We will get,
a + (a + 2) = 4
Step 2: Solve for a
a +a + 2 = 4
2a + 2 = 4
2a = 4 – 2
a = 2/2 = 1
Step 3: Substitute this value of a in equation 1
b=a+2
b=1+2
b=3
step 4: Hence, the solution for the given simultaneous equations is: a = 1 and b = 3