How do I solve two simultaneous equations?

Supposing we have two equations x+2y=5 and 3x-y=10 and we want to find x and y we can use the following techinque. Multiply both the RHS and the LHS of the second equation by 2, giving us 6x-2y=20. Then add this to the first equation, giving us 7x=25 thus x=25/7. The substitute the value for x to find y: 25/7 +2y=5 => y=5/7. Alternatively, we can manipulate the first equation to give us x=5-2y and substitute in the second equation: 15-6y-y=10 => -7y=-5 =>y=5/7 and then substitute in the first equation to find x. Remember, to find the value of n variables we need n equations, except in special cases.

TX
Answered by Theano X. Maths tutor

3978 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the equation "3y + 5 = 11" to find the value of y.


Expand and simplify (x+2)(x+3)


Write 4x^2+18x+2 in form a(x+m)+n.


How do you factorise a quadratic equation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning