Solve the simultaneous equation x+y=11(1), x^2+y^2=61 (2)

Make x the subject in the equation x+y=11(1). This will help us eliminate x in the second equation (2).x=11-y (3)Substitute (3) into (2)(11-y)2+y2=61Expanding the brackets and simplifying gives 2y2-22y+60=0Dividing the whole equation by 2 gives y2-11y+30=0 (4)(4) is a quadratic equationFactorise, giving (y-5)(y-6)=0There are therefore two solutions, y=5 or y=6Looking back at equation (1), when y=5, x=6when y=6, x=5
Therefore the two solutions are:x=6 y=5x=5 y=6

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is integration by parts?


Solve: 2 sin(2x) = (1-sin(x))cos(x) for 0<x<2*Pi and give any values of x, if any, where the equation is not valid


Prove that the square of an odd integer is odd.


How do you use the chain rule?