Solve the simultaneous equation: 6x+y = 27 3x-2y = 6

To work out simultaneous equations, the aim is to remove one letter from the equations, i.e. Remove the y's so you have only x's and numbers (or vice versa).

One way to do this is to get the coefficient in front of either the y's or x's to equal each other.

In this example, you can get the coefficients of the x's to equal each other if you multiply the second equation by two:

3x-2y = 6    (x2)

=   6x-4y = 12

So now..

6x+y = 27

6x-4y = 12

Since the coefficients equal each other, you can take one equation away from the other to remove the x's:

6x+y = 27

6x-4y = 12

------------

5y = 15           (y--4y = 5y, and 27-12 = 15)

Now solve y. 

y = 15/5

y= 3

Now to find what x is, you put 3 in as y to either of the original equations:

6x+y = 27

6x+3 = 27

6x = 24

x = 4

There you go! 

x=4 and y=3

to check you have the correct values, you can put the numbers back into the other equations. If the equation works you have it right.

3x-2y = 6

12-6 = 6

It works! 

EB
Answered by Emily B. Maths tutor

9828 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following simultaneous equations: 2x + 2y = 14; 4x - 2y = 10


Solving quadratic equations using the factorisation method.


Solve the following quadratic inequality: 6x^2 -x -35 < 0


Jodie buys 12 cans of cola. There are 330 ml of cola in each can. Rob buys 4 bottles of cola. There is 1 litre of cola in each bottle. Rob buys more cola than Jodie. How much more?


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