2x + 3y = 8 and 3x + 2y = 7 find x and y

These are simultaneous equations. To solve them, we need to do something to these equations to that either the coefficents of x or y are the same. So multiply each equation by a suitable number,  a good choice is to multiply Equation 1 by 3, and multiply Equation 2 by 2, which means in both of the equations the coefficient is 6. Next we subtract the second equation from the first, because we want to eliminate the "x" values in each equation leaving us only with y. Then we solve this new equation for y. Next we substitute y = 2 into either Equation 1 or Equation 2 above and solve for x

3 * (Eqn 1) --->    3* (2x + 3y = 8)--->    6x + 9y = 24
2 * (Eqn 2) --->    2 * (3x + 2y = 7)--->    6x + 4y = 14

(6x + 9y = 24  -(6x + 4y = 14) --->5y = 10       
                   

   y = 10/5 = 2

2x + 3(2) = 8
 2x + 6 = 8       

 2x = 2     

  x = 1

TK
Answered by Tara K. Maths tutor

16431 Views

See similar Maths 13 Plus tutors

Related Maths 13 Plus answers

All answers ▸

What is the solution to the inequality shown? 3m + 5 > 2 (m-7)


Factorise fully the following: x^2 + 7x + 10.


For Maths 11+. An Island on a map is measured to be 4cm across. The scale of the map is 4cm to 500m. How long is the island in km?


Write 240 grams as a fraction of 4kg in its simplest form


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning