Solve the simultaneous equations 5x + y = 21 x - 3y = 9

To solve simultaneous equations we want to use only one variable so either x or y. Therefore we need to eliminate (get rid of) one of the variables .If you multiply x - 3y = 9 by 5 you will get 5x - 15y = 45 (make sure you multiply every term by 5). Now we have two equations that have the same number of x.To eliminate x subtract 5x + y = 21 from 5x - 15y = 45.(I would show this on a whiteboard) The answer is 16y = -24So to find y divide -24 by 16. (again would be shown on a whiteboard until the faction is simplified)y= -3/2Having found y, we now must substitute it into one of the original equations so find x.I would chose 5x + y = 21 because then we don't have to multiply up a y value.5x + (-3/2) = 21Then I would show on a whiteboard how I would rearrange the formula into 5x = 21 + 3/25x = 45/2x = (45/2)/5 x = (45/2) x (1/5)x = 45/10x = 4.5

AH
Answered by Amelia H. Maths tutor

15376 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the quadratic equation: x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0


Rana sells 192 cakes in the ratio small : medium : large = 7 : 6 : 11. medium cakes are worth double small ones and large cakes triple small ones. If the cakes go for £532.48 how much is a small cake worth


Simplify 2a^3 b × 5a^2 b^3


Given a spinner divided in 3 sections numbered 1, 2 and 3, and that the arc of section 2 is double that of section one (~57.6 cm), calculate pi to 2 decimal places. The radius of the spinner is 30cm and the angle sub-intended by section 3 is 30 degrees.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning