How do I solve simultaneous equations?

2x + y = 7

3x - y = 8

You cannot find x and y using only one equations, but using both you can! So first you have use algebra to make both equations = y. Try this for the first equation by rearranging it.

This gives  y =7 - 2x

Now again for the second equation.

This gives y = 3x - 8

Now, because we can make these two equations equal, because they are both equal to y!

This gives 7 - 2x = 3x - 8

Now solve for x.

This gives 15 = 5x, so x = 15/5 = 3

Now that we know x, all we have to do it put in the value of x into one of the equations and solve it to get y!

y = 7 - 2x = 7 - 2*3 = 7 -6

y= 1 !

SO
Answered by Stephanie O. Maths tutor

2881 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Prove that 2^(80)+2^(n+1)+2^n is divisible by 7 for n belongs to the natural number.


Solve the simultaneous equations; 3x + 2y = 11 x -4y = 13


A bag has 3 red balls and 5 green balls. I take out 2 balls, without replacing them. What is the probability of choosing at least one red ball? Give your answer to 3 decimal places.


Shampoo is sold in two sizes. 1) 500 ml for £1.98 2) 3 litres for £12.80 (now 15% off). Which is better value for money?


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