Solving simultaneous questions, e.g. 3x + y = 11 and 2x + y = 8

The unknowns in a simultaneous equation need to be solved, which in this case are x and y.The method I will be using is by elimination:First, find which unknown has the same coefficient. In this example this is the letter y that has a coefficient of 1 in both equations.Then, subtract the two equations from each other to eliminate y so you get:3x + y = 11-2x + y = 8-------------x = 3Now, you know what x is so you can substitute x back into any of the equations to rearrange and find yIn this case subbing into 3x + y = 113x + y = 113(3) + y = 119 + y = 11y = 2We have now found x = 3 and y = 2To check the answers are right, substitute this back into the second equation just for confirmation and this should work!

SS
Answered by Simran S. Maths tutor

2886 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + y = -4 and 3x - 4y = 6


Simplify (8x^2 + 36x)/(2x + 9) and explain why it is an even expression.


The mean of 4 numbers is 8 when a 5th number is added the mean becomes 10, what is the 5th number?


Expand the brackets (2x + 3)(3x - 1)


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