Solve algebraically 6a + b = 16 and 5a - 2b = 19

This is a simultanious equation. As there are two unknown variables, it is impossible to find both a and b just using one of the equations. To make it possible to work out the unknowns, we need to have just one unknown. If we multiplied the first equation by 2, we will have 12a + 2b = 32. This then means if we added both equations together the (+2b) and the (-2b) will cancel each other out and we will be left with (12a + 5a) = (32+19). 17a = 51, so a = 3. We then put a back into one of the original equations to work out b. So 6 x (3) + b = 16. So b = -2. 

KH
Answered by Kate H. Maths tutor

5760 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Rectangle A has a length of 3y cm and a width of 2x cm. Rectangle B has a length of (y + 4)cm and a width of (x + 6)cm. Rectangle A has a perimeter of 94cm and Rectangle B has a perimeter of 56cm. Solve x and y and calculate the areas of each rectangle.


Factorise 4x+6x^2


a) You area told that y is proportional to x2 and that when y = 75, x = 5. Find a formula for y in terms of x. y = x b) Find the value of y when x = 3. c) Find the value of x when y = 1200.


find the root or roots of the following equation: 2x^2 + 18x + 36


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences