Simultaneous equations

Simultaneous equations are two equations with two unknowns. They are called simultaneous because they must both be solved at the same time.

The first step is to try to eliminate one of the unknowns.

Example

Solve these simultaneous equations and find the values of x and y.

• Equation 1: 2x + y = 7
• Equation 2: 3x - y = 8

Add the two equations to eliminate the ys:

• 2x + y = 7
• 3x - y = 8
• ------------
• 5x = 15
• x = 3

• Now you can put x = 3 in either of the equations.
• Substitute x = 3 into the equation 2x + y = 7:
• 6 + y = 7
• y = 1

So the answers are x = 3 and y = 1

Sometimes you will need to multiply one of the equations before you can add or subtract. Have a look at the activity below.

On other occasions you will need to multiply both equations to find the unknown values. Always look for a way to cancel out one of the unknown terms. Have a go at the question below.

We can also use a method of substitution. Look at the following example:

Example

Solve the simultaneous equations:

Equation 1: y - 2x = 1

Equation 2: 2y - 3x = 5

Rearranging Equation 1, we get y = 1 + 2x

We can replace the ‘y’ in equation 2 by substituting it with 1 + 2x

Equation 2 becomes: 2(1 + 2x) - 3x = 5

2 + 4x - 3x = 5

2 + x = 5

x = 3

Substituting x = 3 into Equation 1 gives us y - 6 = 1, so y = 7.