4.
2 Simultaneous equations
10 Sofia and Zara solve the simultaneous equations y = 3(x + 5)
and 2x + y = 0.
Read what they say.
I think the answers I think the
are x = −3 and answers are x = 3
y = 6. and y = −6.
Is either of them correct? Explain your answer and show your
working.
11 Afua uses the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous
equations
x + y = 37 and x − y = 13.
This is what she writes.
Step 1: Add the two equations. Step 2: Substitute x = 25 into the first equation:
x + y = 37 25 + y = 37
+ x – y = 13 y = 37 – 25
2x + 0y = 50 = 12
Step 3: Check in second equation
2x = 50, x = 50
2
= 25 25 – 12 = 13 ✓
Step 4: State answers
x = 25 and y = 12
Tip
When Afua adds the two equations, she eliminates the ys as
one is positive and one is negative: y + −y = 0y = 0
Use the method of elimination to copy and complete the workings
to solve these simultaneous equations.
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4 Equations and inequalities
a 2x + y = 50 and x − y = 4
Step 1: Add the two equations. Step 2: Substitute x = into the first equation:
2x + y = 50
2× + y = 50
+ x−y=4
y = 50 −
3x + 0y =
=
Step 3: Check in second equation
3x = =
,x = − =
3
Step 4: State answers
x= and y =
b x + 4y = 41 and x + 2y = 23
Step 1: Subtract the two equations. Step 2: Substitute y = into the first equation:
x + 4y = 41 x + 4× = 41
− x + 2y = 23 x = 41 −
0x + 2y = =
Step 3: Check in second equation
+2× =
2y = =
,y =
2 Step 4: State answers
x= and y =
c 3x + 2y = 38 and 3x − y = 26
Step 1: Subtract the two equations. Step 2: Substitute y = into the first equation:
3x + 2y = 38 3x + 2 × = 38
− 3x − y = 26
3x = 38 −
0x + 3y =
3x = , x= =
3
Step 3: Check in second equation
3y = =
,y =
3 3× − =
Step 4: State answers
x= and y =
Tip
Be careful with the double negative in part c: 2y − −y = 2y + y.
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4.2 Simultaneous equations
Think like a mathematician
12 a Look at the following simultaneous equations.
Discuss with a partner how you can decide whether you need to add or subtract
the equations in each part when you solve them using elimination.
In one part you can do either. Which part is it?
i x + y = 15 ii x + 6y = 9 iii 2x + y = 19 iv 3x + 2y = 37
x−y=3 x + 2y = 1 3x − y = 21 x + 2y = 19
b Discuss your answers to part a with other learners in the class.
c Describe a general rule you can follow to help you to decide when you should
add or subtract simultaneous equations when you solve them using elimination.
d On your own, solve the simultaneous equations in part a using elimination.
Check your workings and answers with your partner.
Activity 4.2
Work with a partner for this activity.
Here are five equation cards.
A y = 3x B 5x + y = 48 C x + y = 24
D y = 4x − 6 E x = 3y − 48
a Choose two cards. Ask your partner to solve the simultaneous equations you
have chosen.
Make sure you give your partner a different pair of equations to the pair they
choose for you.
Use your favourite method to solve the equations, then ask your partner to check
your working and answers.
b Compare your answers with your partner’s answers. Did you get the same answers?
If you got different answers, check each other’s working again, as your answers
should be the same.
13 Solve these simultaneous equations. Use any method.
a 2x + y = 22 b y = 2x − 12
x−y=5 x+y=3
c y = 2x d 6x + 7y = 49
x + 3y = 14 3x − 7y = 14
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