Simultaneously solve these equations 3x+y=7 and 3x-y=5

Method 1 (Elimination) -

You can see that If you add the 2 equations together you can eliminate the y variable like so 6x=12, then if you divide both sides by 6 you get x=2. Then if you place x=2 back into either of the equations you get y=1.

Method 2 (Substitution) -

Take equation 1 and rearrange it so you get y in terms of x, so all the y's on one side and all the x's on the other side. You get y=7-3x. Take this expression for y and put it into equation 2, 3x-y=5. You get 3x - (7-3x) = 5. If you expand out the brackets you get 6x-7=5 and so 6x=12 then dividing both sides by 6, x=2. Like before place x=2 into either equation to get y=1.

CB
Answered by Charlotte B. Maths tutor

4439 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand (t+5)(t-2)


A flight travels at 750kmph for 7 hours and 18 minutes, work out the distance travelled? Then convert 750 km/h into metres per second.


Sam is a bodybuilder. He currently weighs 90kg, but is aiming to be at 130kg in the next four months. Every month, he puts on 8% of his weight. Does he reach his target?


How to solve a quadratic equation without a calculator?


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