How to Solve Simultaneous Equations Using Elimination Method
Write down both of the equations that you'll need to solve., Number the equations., Check if both equations have the same variable/unknown term in them. , Look for signs of the unknown variables or terms., Solve to find the first unknown variable...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Write down both of the equations that you'll need to solve.
3x
- y = 12 2x + y = 13 -
Step 2: Number the equations.
3x
- y = 12 as number one, and 2x + y = 13 as number two. ,, Remember subtraction can also be referred to as the addition of a negative number.
If the signs are the same, subtract both equations.
If they are different then add the equations. 3x
- y = 12 + 2x + y = 13
------------- 5x = 25 , Divide both sides by the coefficient of the left side.
Take 5 to the other side.It will look like this:x = 25/5. ,, Use the value of x that was obtained above into either equation (but stick with this equation for the time being).
Substitute this value of x into the equation. 3x
- y = 12 3(5)-y = 12 15
- y = 12
- y = 12
- 15
- y =
- 3(divide both sides by negative one, will be able to cut both signs) y = 3 , Substitute both the values into the other equation.
If the two side numbers at the very end equal each other, you've correctly solved this system of simultaneous equations. 3x
- y = 12 3(5)
- 3 = 12 15
- 3 = 12 12 = 12 -
Step 3: Check if both equations have the same variable/unknown term in them.
-
Step 4: Look for signs of the unknown variables or terms.
-
Step 5: Solve to find the first unknown variable from the resulting (rather shortened) equation.
-
Step 6: 25 divided by 5 makes 5 so we have now found the value of "x" which is 5.
-
Step 7: Find the value of "y".
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Step 8: Check the problem.
Detailed Guide
3x
- y = 12 2x + y = 13
3x
- y = 12 as number one, and 2x + y = 13 as number two. ,, Remember subtraction can also be referred to as the addition of a negative number.
If the signs are the same, subtract both equations.
If they are different then add the equations. 3x
- y = 12 + 2x + y = 13
------------- 5x = 25 , Divide both sides by the coefficient of the left side.
Take 5 to the other side.It will look like this:x = 25/5. ,, Use the value of x that was obtained above into either equation (but stick with this equation for the time being).
Substitute this value of x into the equation. 3x
- y = 12 3(5)-y = 12 15
- y = 12
- y = 12
- 15
- y =
- 3(divide both sides by negative one, will be able to cut both signs) y = 3 , Substitute both the values into the other equation.
If the two side numbers at the very end equal each other, you've correctly solved this system of simultaneous equations. 3x
- y = 12 3(5)
- 3 = 12 15
- 3 = 12 12 = 12
About the Author
Kevin Lopez
Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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