Solve algebraically: 2x - 5y = 11, 3x + 2y = 7

Here we have two simultaneous equations with two unknowns. In order to solve this, we must first elimate one of the variables. 

To do this we will first make the coefficient (the number before) of one of the unknown variables the same in both equations. 

In this question we can multiple equation 1 by 2 (this means multiplying each individual component) so that; 

4x - 10y = 22 

Now the coefficient of y is -10. We can make the coefficent of y 10 in equation 2 by multiplying by 5: 

15x + 10y = 35 

The coefficients of y are now 10 and -10. Now we can solve for x by adding both equations together: 

19x = 57 

Divide both sides by 19 and x = 3. 

To solve for y, all we need to do is substitute x=3 back into our original equation: 

2(3) - 5y = 11 

6 - 5y = 11 

-5y = 6 

y = -1 

To check the answer we can substitute both values back into the other equation: 
3(3) + 2(-1) = 7 -> Which is true. 

GD
Answered by Georgia D. Maths tutor

10586 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

why does log a + log b = log (ab)


Find the differential of (cos2x)^2


Find values of y such that: log2(11y–3)–log2(3) –2log2(y) = 1


The population of a town is 20000 at the start of the year 2018. A population model predicts this population will grow by 2% each year. (a) Find the estimated population at the start of 2022.


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