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Algebra - Simultaneous Equations (Introduction)

Grade 8IGCSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

Definition: Simultaneous equations are a set of two or more equations with the same variables that are solved together to find a common solution.

Linear Simultaneous Equations: At Grade 8, these consist of two equations representing straight lines. The solution is the point (x,y)(x, y) where the lines intersect.

Substitution Method: Solving one equation for one variable (e.g., x=...x = ...) and substituting this expression into the second equation.

Elimination Method: Adding or subtracting the equations to 'eliminate' one variable, making it possible to solve for the remaining one.

Consistency: A solution must satisfy both equations simultaneously. Always check your final values in both original equations.

📐Formulae

General Form: ax+by=cax + by = c

Slope-Intercept Form: y=mx+cy = mx + c

Elimination Rule: If coefficients of a variable are the same, subtract the equations. If they are opposite (e.g., 22 and 2-2), add the equations.

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Solve using Substitution:

  1. y=2x3y = 2x - 3
  2. 2x+3y=152x + 3y = 15

Solution:

x=3,y=3x = 3, y = 3

Explanation:

Substitute (2x3)(2x - 3) for yy in the second equation: 2x+3(2x3)=152x + 3(2x - 3) = 15. Expand: 2x+6x9=152x + 6x - 9 = 15. Simplify: 8x=248x = 24, so x=3x = 3. Plug x=3x = 3 back into the first equation: y=2(3)3=3y = 2(3) - 3 = 3.

Problem 2:

Solve using Elimination:

  1. 3x+2y=123x + 2y = 12
  2. 5x2y=45x - 2y = 4

Solution:

x=2,y=3x = 2, y = 3

Explanation:

The coefficients of yy are opposites (+2+2 and 2-2), so add the equations: (3x+5x)+(2y2y)=12+4(3x + 5x) + (2y - 2y) = 12 + 4. This gives 8x=168x = 16, so x=2x = 2. Substitute x=2x = 2 into equation 1: 3(2)+2y=126+2y=122y=6y=33(2) + 2y = 12 \Rightarrow 6 + 2y = 12 \Rightarrow 2y = 6 \Rightarrow y = 3.

Problem 3:

Solve by equating coefficients:

  1. x+2y=8x + 2y = 8
  2. 2x+3y=132x + 3y = 13

Solution:

x=2,y=3x = 2, y = 3

Explanation:

Multiply the first equation by 22 to match the xx coefficients: 2x+4y=162x + 4y = 16. Now subtract equation 2 from this new equation: (2x2x)+(4y3y)=1613(2x - 2x) + (4y - 3y) = 16 - 13. This results in y=3y = 3. Substitute y=3y = 3 into the first equation: x+2(3)=8x+6=8x=2x + 2(3) = 8 \Rightarrow x + 6 = 8 \Rightarrow x = 2.