Solve the simultaneous equations x+y=8 and 3x-y=4.

Notice that y has the same coefficient (ignoring the sign) in both equations. So, we will use the elimination method. The elimination method means that we will combine the two equations to eliminate the y variable, allowing us to find the value of x. Then, we will substitute this value of x in order to find y.Since y has opposite signs in the two equations, we will eliminate y by adding the equations. Adding gives (x+y) + (3x-y) = 8 + 4. Simplifying gives us 4x = 12 so x = 3. Now, by substituting x = 3 into x + y = 8 we get that 3 + y = 8 so y = 5. Hence we have solved our simultaneous equations and have that x = 3 and y = 5.

FS
Answered by Fiona S. Maths tutor

5997 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A box contains an assortment of 100 coloured marbles, coloured red, blue and green. The ratio of blue balls to green balls is 1:3. If there are 16 red balls in the box, what is the ratio of red balls to green balls, and red balls to blue balls?


Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point (0, 3) and is perpendicular to the straight line with equation y = 2x.


How to solve the simultaneous equations: 3x+5y=19 and 4x+6y=22


Find the values of x and y using the simultaneous equations: x+y=11, y-6=15


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