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

17319 Views

See similar Maths 13 Plus tutors

Related Maths 13 Plus answers

All answers ▸

A cake recipe for 4 people has the following ingredients: 150g of flour, 120g of sugar, 80g of butter, 20ml of milk, and 2 eggs. How much sugar do I need to bake a cake for 7 people?


Complete the series and explain your answer: 2,4,8,...,...


Find the value of 0.3 × 0.2


Find 52% of £4


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