Solve the simultaneous equations: 4x + 2y = 26 and 3x + 3y = 21

Let eq 1 = 4x + 2y = 26 eq 2 = 3x + 3y = 21 Using the elimination method: You need to make either the xs or ys have the same constant term in both equations( sign does not matter). In this case, we will make the constant be the same for both ys. To do this, find a common multiple of 2 and 3. I have chosen 6. To go from 2 to 6, you multiply by 3. Thus, you must multiply all of eq 1 by 3 --> 12x + 6y = 78. In eq 2 , the constant for y is 3, thus you have to multiply by 2 to get 6. Multiplying eq2 by 2 and you get --> 6x + 6y = 42.Next, you either subtract or add the two equations together. Since the y in both equations share the same sign, you subtract equation 2 from equation 1 (same-sign-subtract). 12x-6x = 6x 6y-6y = 0 78-42 = 36 Resulting in 6x = 36 x = 6 Substitute x into one of the original equations. 3(6) + 3y = 21 3y = 21-18 3y = 3y = 1 Therefore x = 6, y = 1

DN
Answered by Dermot N. Maths tutor

4312 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve these simultaneous equations 2y+x=8, 1+y=2x.


A 4 digit number is picked. It's second digit is a prime number, it must be even and it must be greater than 5000. How many possible numbers can be picked?


Factorise 2x^3=10x+12x^2


3 shops sell TVs and all 3 are having sales. Here are the three original prices of the TVs and their discounts: X12: £150 (25%), Teli-vise: £235 (1/2 off), Xpert: £60 (with a year of weekly £8 payments). Which TV is the cheapest once discounted.


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