Given 6x+2y=4 and 5x+y=8, solve the simultaneous equations to find x and y.

The key here is to eliminate one of the variables; it doesn't matter whether we start by trying to get rid of x or y we will arrive at the same solution. For us to eliminate either x or y it is easiest to find a way of making the co-efficient (number before the x or y) the same in both equations by multiplying through by a number as follows. If we take 5x+y=8 and multiply through by 2 (don't forget to multiply both sides), we get10x+2y=16. So we now have 10x+2y=16 and 6x+2y=4We can rearrange both equations to give 2y=10x-16=6x-4.We have now eliminated y leaving us with 10x-16=6x-4Rearranging gives 10x-6x=16-4 so 4x=12. Therefore x=3. If we substitute this back into one of our original equations such as 5x+y=8, we get 15+y=8.So y=8-15=-7Therefore, x=3 and y=-7. 

Answered by Rebecca M. Maths tutor

6414 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the points (5, 0) and (6, 4).


If p = (3a + 5)/(4 - a), make a the subject of the formula


Rearrange the following equation to make 'm' the subject: 4 (m - 2) = t (5m + 3) [4 marks]


How would you solve the simultaneous equations 2x + y = 7 and 3x - y = 8


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy