So I’ve set out a sheet with a few examples of how to do simultaneous equations. The first method shows a simple graphic representation where you can get an estimate of the solutions, but I then show how this can get tricky and inaccurate very fast. I have then set out a very clear and methodical ‘model’ answer to the harder problem. You can see I have done my working off to the side to reduce the error of mental arithmetic, leading by example.
After, I would then ask them to recreate my method if it appealed to them with a different problem. If not, I would use the new problem to demonstrate solving the equations through substitution. I would proceed according to which method they found more helpful. For high achieving A-level students, I may then combine the topic with trigonometry.