How do you solve the following simultaneous equations? Equation 1: 2x + 3y = 13 Equation 2: 3x - y = 3

There are various ways to solve simultaneous equations. The two easiest are by elimiation and by substitution. By Elimation When solving by elimination you want to ensure that you only have one variable (x or y) in the remaining equation. In order to do this you want to have the coefficient (number in front of the variable) equal for one of the variables across the two equations. This requires some manoevering. Equation 2: 3x - y = 3 -3Equation 2 = -9x + 3y = -9 Then you are able to subtract one from the other Equation 1 --3Equation 2 = Equation 1 + 3Equation 2 = 2x + 3y = 13   + 9x - 3y = 9 = 11x = 22 x = 2 if x = 2, then 22 + 3y = 13 so 3y = 9 so y = 3 By Substitution This method means that one variable is rearranged to be the subject of one equation, then is substituted into the other, like seen below. Equation 2: 3x - y = 3 3x = y + 3 y = 3x - 3 Equation 1: 2x + 3y = 13 2x + 3(3x - 3) = 13 2x + 9x - 9 = 13 11x = 22 so x = 2 if x = 2, then 2*2 + 3y = 13 so 3y = 9 so y = 3

LS
Answered by Luke S. Maths tutor

9104 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I factorise 12y-18


N=2a+b, where a is a two-digit square number and b is a two-digit cube number. What is the smallest possible value of N?


How to convert a recurring decimal into fraction


What is the name of a triangle with two equal sides and angles? What is the size of the angle x?


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