What is the easiest way to solve a simultaneous equation?

While the elimination method can be extremely easy for certain questions, it cannot be applied to all. Therefore, the substitution method is recommended because it can be applied to most cases of simultaneous equations. Take, for example: xy=2 and y=x+1. Here elimination does not work but with substitution one can solve easily for x and y as shown below:
if y=x+1 then x(x+1)=2 x^2+x=2This can be manipulated into a quadratic equation: x^2+x-2=0(x+2)(x-1)=0Therefore x=-2 or x=1Simply reinsert these x-values back into one of the original equations (both if you want to be certain)when x=-2 y=-2+1Therefore (-2,-1)Or, when x=1 y=1+1Therefore (1,2)

WA
Answered by William A. Maths tutor

2600 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Adam gets a bonus of 30% of £80. Katy gets a bonus of £28. Work out the difference between the bonus Adam gets and the bonus Katy gets.


Test


What is the inverse of a function and how do you find it?


Complete the square and hence sketch the graph of f(x) = x^2 + 2x + 7


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences