13.

SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

SOLUTION OF A LINEAR EQUATION (though any real number may be chosen). Some of
these solutions are presented in the table below.
In our study of algebra so far, we have solved
equations of the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 x y x+y
are constants. Such equations are linear equations in 0 5 5
one variable (or unknown quantity).
In general, the solution of a linear equation in one 5 0 5
variable can be obtained by applying basic principles 1 4 5
of algebra. We would have seen this before in the
chapter on linear equations. 2 3 5
3 2 5
For example, to solve the equation 2𝑥 − 4 = 8, we
4 1 5
would have used the following procedures to obtain a
value for the unknown, 𝑥.
We could have presented our solutions as a set of
2x - 4 = 8 ordered pairs, such as:
2x = 8 + 4
(0, 5), (5, 0), (1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 2), (4, 1), …
2 x = 12
12 We can state, with certainty, that there are many
x=
2 values of x and y that satisfy the equation x + y = 5 .
x=6 There would be solutions with negative values as
well, such as
Our result indicates that 𝑥 = 6 satisfies the equation, (-6, 11), (7, -2), (-9, 14), (12, -7), …
2𝑥 − 4 = 8.
We should also note that 𝑥 = 6 is the only value of x There would be solutions with fractional values, such
that satisfies this equation. as
The solution to this equation is certainly unique. We (1.2, 3.8), (2.9, 2.1), (-8.3, 13.3), (12.9, -7.9), …
can, therefore, state the following rule. The solution to this equation is certainly not unique.
We can, therefore, state the following rule.
A linear equation, in one unknown, has only one
solution. A linear equation in two unknowns has many
solutions. These solutions can be represented as a
set of ordered pairs. In fact, the number of
Solution of linear equations in two variables solutions is infinite.

An equation can have two variables or unknown

quantities, such as 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐 (where a, b and c are Solution of a pair of linear equations in two
constants). Such equations are linear equations in two variables
variables, x and y. Their solutions must consist of
values for x and for y that satisfies the equation. Now, let us introduce another linear equation in two
variables. For example, x - y = 3 .
For example, the solution of the equation, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5, By a similar argument, this equation will also have an
will consist of any pair of numbers whose sum is 5. infinite number of solutions. Solutions will include
any two numbers, x and y, and whose x value is 3
Consider, x = 1 and y = 4. By substituting these more than its y value.
values in the given equation, we obtain a solution,
since 1+4 = 5. But, is this the only possible solution? For example, x = 5 and y = 2 is one such pair of
Let us record some more solutions by selecting any values.
arbitrary value for x and calculating the Once more, we select a set of arbitrary values of x
corresponding value of y. In each case, we ensure that and calculate the corresponding value of y so that x −
the sum of x and y is 5. For simplicity in calculation, y is always 3. We will use only positive number
let us choose a few positive whole number values values for simplicity in the arithmetic.

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We can record our solutions using a table like the one
above. Some solutions are shown below. We wish to find the common solution to both
equations.
x y x−y By observation, we can deduce the solution that
satisfies both equations. We can compare both sets of
0 −3 3
ordered pairs and look for this common pair. The
3 0 3 ordered pairs of equation 1 and equation 2
5 2 3 respectively are:
4 1 3 (0, 5), (5, 0), (1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 2), (4, 1), …
3 0 3
(0, −3), (3, 0), (5, 2), (4, 1), (3, 0), (7, 4), …
7 4 3
Notice that (4, 1) is the only pair that is common to
We could have presented our solutions as a set of both sets. The solution of the pair of equations is
ordered pairs as shown below. therefore unique. We can, therefore, state the
following rule.
(0, −3), (3, 0), (5, 2), (4, 1), (3, 0), (7, 4), …
A pair of linear equation in two unknowns say x
Assuming that we wish to find a solution that and y, has a unique solution. The solution can be
satisfies both of the above equations, that is, we wish represented by an ordered pair, (x, y).
to find the unique solution that satisfies the pair of
equations, x + y = 5 and x - y = 3 . Let us refer to
these equations as equation (1) and (2) respectively. We may solve a pair of linear equations together to
obtain a unique set of values of x and y that satisfy
x+ y =5 (1) both equations. Since we must solve these equations
together, that is at the same time or simultaneously,
x- y =3 (2)
they are called simultaneous equations.
We are now interested in obtaining the pair of The above method of finding a common solution to a
numbers whose sum is 5 [equation (1)] and whose pair of linear method is more efficient when we plot
difference is 3 [equation (2)]. the ordered pairs (draw the graphs) for both functions
We already have an infinite set of solutions to and locate the point of intersection of the straight
equation (1). lines
We also have an infinite set of solutions for equation
(2).

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As shown above, the point (4, 1) is the only point Solution
common to both lines and represents the solution to Notice that if we add equations (1) and (2), y will
the pair of equations when solved simultaneously. be eliminated.
This method is called the graphical method of solving 3x - 2 y = 11 (1)
a pair of linear equations in two variables. 4 x + 2 y = 10 (2)
The solution to the above pair of linear equations 7x = 21
Equation (1) + equation (2)
could also have been obtained algebraically. In so x =3
doing, we will examine two methods:
These are We are now left with an equation in x only.
i. Elimination method To obtain the value of y, we now substitute the
ii. Substitution method known value of x in any of the above equations. If
we choose equation (2), then we would obtain,
Solving simultaneous equations -elimination
4(3) + 2 y = 10
Using the same equations from above, we will 2 y = 10 - 12
illustrate how to solve for x and y using the method of 2 y = -2
elimination.
y = -1
x+ y =5 (1)
x- y =3 (2) Hence x = 3 and y = -1

In the method of elimination, we examine both

equations and see if it is possible to eliminate a The addition of two given equations does not always
variable by either adding or subtracting like terms. eliminate one of the unknowns. In some cases, we
may find it convenient to subtract the equations to
In our example, this is possible. We notice that y can eliminate one unknown.
be eliminated by adding both equations. This is
shown below. Example 2
Solve for x and y in
Method of elimination 5y + 2x = 9 (1)
2 y + 2x = 6 (2)
x+ y =5 By adding both equations, we
x- y =3 have eliminated one unknown, y. Solution
The resulting equation, 2x = 8 If we subtract one equation from the other, we can
2x = 8 has only one unknown, x. eliminate the unknown, x.
x =4 This can be easily solved to
5y + 2x = 9 (1)
obtain
x = 4. 2 y + 2x = 6 (2)
4+ y =5 We can substitute x = 4 in either 3y =3
(1) or (2) to solve for y. Equation (1) – Equation (2)
y = 5-4 y =1
We chose equation (1) in this
y =1 case and obtained y = 1.
To obtain the value of x, we substitute the known
value of y in any of the above equations. If we
choose equation (2), then we would obtain,
This solution may be written as the ordered pair (4,
2(1) + 2 x = 6
1). Note that these values satisfy both equations.
2x = 6 - 2
Example 1 2x = 4
Solve for x and y in x=2
3x - 2 y = 11 (1)
4 x + 2 y = 10 (2) Hence x = 2 and y = 1

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In some cases, neither addition nor subtraction would Example 4
result in the elimination of a variable. And so, we Solve for x and y given
must apply another strategy prior to elimination. 3 x + 4 y = 10
5x - 7 y = 3
Example 3
Solve for x and y in
5x - 4 y = 7 (1)
Solution
7 x - 2 y = 17 (2) In this example, it is not possible to eliminate an
unknown by adding the equations, subtracting one
Solution from the other or even changing one equation to an
Notice, if we add or subtract both equations, we equivalent form. We must, therefore, change both
would still obtain an equation in x and y. It would equations.
be convenient if our second equation has 4y
instead of 2y. This situation is rectified if we If we choose to eliminate y, then consider the y
multiply the entire equation (2) by 2. coefficients of the two equations which are 4 and
7. We need to have a common coefficient. The
So, our new equation (2), which we may now call best choice is the LCM of 4 and 7, which is 28. So,
equation (3) becomes: we can multiply each equation by a number so that
both y coefficients become 28.
14 x - 4 y = 34 (3)
This means, equation (1), in which the y
We will now replace equation (2) by equation (3), coefficient was 4, must be multiplied by 7 and
which is really an equivalent form of equation (2). equation (2) in which the y coefficient was -7,
We can now solve the following pair of equations: must be multiplied by 4. Our two new equations
are called equation (3) and (4) respectively.
5x - 4 y = 7 (1)
3 x + 4 y = 10
14 x - 4 y = 34 (3) …(1)
5x - 7 y = 3 …(2)
Subtracting equation (3) from equation (1), we
obtain: Equation (1) ´ 7
21x + 28 y = 70 …(3)
5x - 4 y = 7 (1)
Equation (2) ´ 4
14 x - 4 y = 34 (3) 20 x - 28 y = 12 …(4)
-9 x = -27
x =3 Adding (3) and (4) we obtain
21x + 28 y = 70
To obtain the value of y, we substitute the known
20 x - 28 y = 12 +
value of x in any of the above equations. If we
choose equation (1), then we would obtain, 41x = 82

5(3) - 4 y = 7 82
x=
-4 y = 7 - 15 41
=2
-4 y = -8
y=2

Hence, x = 3 and y = 2 .

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Solving simultaneous equations -substitution Example 6
Solve for x and y in
The method of substitution is an important one and it 3x + 4 y = 10 …(1)
is especially useful when solving a pair of equations 5x - 7 y = 3 …(2)
when one of them is not linear. However, in this
chapter, we will continue to solve a pair of linear
Solution
equations simultaneously.
We can choose any of the given equations and
express one of the unknown quantities in terms of
Example 5
the other. We choose equation 2.
Solve for x and y in
x + 3 y = 7...(1) 5x - 7 y = 3
2 x + 5 y = 8...(2) 5x = 3 + 7 y
3+ 7y
Solution x=
The first step involves expressing one variable in 5
terms of the other. We may choose any of the This expression is now substituted into equation 1.
given equations. 3+ 7y
Substitute x = into the equation (1)
5
By examination, the first equation is a better æ 3+ 7y ö
choice because we can isolate x easily.
3ç ÷ + 4 y = 10
è 5 ø
From Equation (1) x = 7 - 3 y This produces ONE equation with ONE unknown
Substituting the expression x = 7 - 3 y in quantity, which can be solved. The algebra here
equation (2), we have requires a knowledge of algebraic fractions. To
simplify the equation we multiply both sides by 5.
2(7 - 3 y ) + 5 y = 8
3 ( 3 + 7 y ) 4 y 10
+ =
This produces ONE equation with ONE unknown 5 1 1
quantity, which can be easily solved. ´5
Solving for y:
3 ( 3 + 7 y ) + 5 ( 4 y ) = ( 5 ´ 10 )
2(7 - 3 y ) + 5 y = 8 9 + 21 y + 20 y = 50
14 - 6 y + 5 y = 8 \ 41 y = 50 - 9
- y = -6 41 y = 41
y=6 41
y=
41
This value of y is now substituted in any of the =1
given equations or the expression obtained from
the first step, to obtain the value of the other This y value is now substituted in any of the given
unknown. equations or the expression obtained from the first
step, to obtain the value of the other unknown.
x = 7 - 3y 3+ 7y
x = 7 - 3(6) x=
5
x = 7 - 18 3 + 7 (1)
=
x = -11 5
10
Hence x = -11 and y = 6 . =
5
=2

Hence, x = 2 and y = 1 .

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Word problems involving two variables Example 8
The sum of two numbers is 72 and their
We can now apply our knowledge of solving difference is 50. Find the two numbers.
equations simultaneously to word problems involving
two variables. In these problems, we are given
Solution
information in words from which we need to create
our pair of equations. After we create the pair of Let the larger number be p.
equations, we use any of the methods for solving And let the small number be q.
simultaneous to obtain the value of each variable.
Hence, from the data
Example 7 p + q = 72 …(1)
The cost of 4 apples and 5 pears is $23 and the p - q = 50 …(2)
cost of 3 apples and 7 pears is $27. Find the cost 2𝑝 = 122 Adding Eq (1) and (2)
of 1 apple and the cost of 1 pear. 𝑝 = 61

Substituting 𝑝 = 61 in equation (1)

Solution 61 + 𝑞 = 72
Let the cost of 1 apple be $x . 𝑞 = 72 − 61
Let the cost of 1 pear be $ y . 𝑞 = 11
If 4 apples and 5 pears cost $23, then The smaller number is 61
The larger number is 11
( 4 ´ x ) + (5 ´ y ) = 23
and so 4 x + 5 y = 23 …(1) Example 9
Similarly, Lollies cost $x per pack and ice-cream costs $y
(3 ´ x ) + (7 ´ y ) = 27 per cup.
One pack of lollies and 2 cups of ice cream cost
3x + 7 y = 27 …(2)
$8.
3 packs of biscuits and 1 cup of ice cream cost $9.
Solving by the method of elimination: Find the cost of 1 pack of lollies and 1 cup of ice-
cream.
4𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 23…(1)
3𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 27…(2) Solution
1 pack of lollies and 2 cups of ice cream cost $8
12𝑥 + 15𝑦 = 69…(3) Eq (1) × 3 1×𝑥+2×𝑦 = 8
12𝑥 + 28𝑦 = 108…(4) Eq (2) × 4 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 8
13𝑦 = 39 Eq (4) – Eq (3) 3 packs of lollies and 1 cup of ice cream cost $9.
𝑦=3 3×𝑥+1×𝑦 = 8
3𝑥 + 𝑦 = 9
Substituting for y in equation (1) 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 8 …(1)
4𝑥 + 5(3) = 23 3𝑥 + 𝑦 = 9 …(2)
4𝑥 + 15 = 23 Using the method of substitution, from equation
4𝑥 = 23 − 15 (1) 𝑥 = 8 − 2𝑦 …(3)
4𝑥 = 8 Substitute 𝑥 = 8 − 2𝑦 in (2)
𝑥=2 3(8 - 2 y ) + y = 9
The cost of 1 apple is $2 24 - 6 y + y = 9
The cost of 1 pear is $3. 24 - 5 y = 9
24 - 9 = 5 y
5 y = 15
y=3
Substituting 𝑦 = 3 in (3), 𝑥 = 8 − 2(3) = 2
1 pack of lollies cost $2
1 cup of ice cream cost $3

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Example 10
Solve for x and y in
x + 2y = 3 …(1)
5x - 4 y = 1 …(2)
by a graphical method.

Solution
To obtain a set of values for x and y that satisfies
both equations, we need to draw the graph of each
equation separately and on the same axes.

Consider equation (1).

x + 2y = 3 …(1)
2y = 3- x

When x = When x = 5 The points are

-1 2y = 3 – 5
2y = 3 – (– 2y = – 2 x -1 5
1) y = –1 y 2 -1
2y = 3 + 1 =
4
y=2
Hence, x = 1 and y = 1 .
Likewise, we can do the same for equation (2), and
obtain a table of values that satisfies the equation,
5x - 4 y = 1 .
Consider equation (2)
5x - 4 y = 1 Some points to note when solving a pair of linear
equations simultaneously
5x - 1 = 4 y
5x - 1 1. It is sometimes possible to obtain two
y= equations such that when drawn, they
4
represent parallel lines. Since parallel lines
do not intersect, there will be no solutions.
When x = 3 When x = 5 The points are
For example, there are no solutions to the
5(3) - 1 5(5) - 1
y= y= x 3 5 pair of equations:
4 4
24 y 1 6
14 3 5𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 15
y= y= 2
4 4 5𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 25
1 y=6
y=3 2. If the two equations are equivalent, for
2
example, the two lines are actually the same
and we have an infinite number of solutions.
These values of x and y from the tables are plotted
This is different to the equations of parallel
on the coordinate plane to obtain two straight
lines. A pair of equivalent equations is
lines. The graphs are shown below shows the
shown below.
straight lines joining points:
(−1,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (5, −1)
1 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 5
<3, 3 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (5, 6) 6𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 10
2

The point of intersection gives the solution of the

equations. In this example, the point of
intersection is (1, 1).

111