Find the solutions to the simultaneous equations

y - 2x = 3 x2 + y2 = 18Step 1- re-arrange the first formula to find y: y = 3 + 2x Step 2- Substitution: x2 + ( 3 + 2x )2 = 18 Step 3- Expand the brackets: ( 3 + 2x )( 3 + 2x ) = 9 + 6x + 6x + 4x2 x2 + 9 + 12x + 4x2 = 18 5x2 + 12x + 9 = 18 Step 4- Make the equation equal to zero and factorise: 5x2 + 12x - 9 = 0 ( 5x - 3 ) ( x + 3 ) = 0 Step 5- Solve for x: x = -3 or 3/5 Step 6- Substitute the x values into the original equation to find y: y - 2x = 3 y - 2 ( -3 ) = 3 y + 6 = 3 y = -3 or, y - 2 ( 3/5 ) = 3 y - 6/5 = 3 y = 4 1/5 Answer: x = -3 or 3/5 and y = -3 or 4 1/5

RH
Answered by Rebecca H. Maths tutor

3050 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the best way to work out any percentage of a given number, e.g. 63% of 450?


Solve the simultaneous equations: 3x + y =11; 2x + y = 8


How do I simplify fully (p^3 x p^4)/p^2?


A farmer has a garden shaped into an isosceles triangle. Its side is 7m. He needs to enclose the perimeter, using copper wires, in order to avoid undesirable incidents. Each meter of copper wire cost 2£. How much does he need to pay to secure his garden?


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