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...

8 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Write down both of the equations that you'll need to solve.

    3x
    - y = 12 2x + y = 13
  2. 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
  3. Step 3: Check if both equations have the same variable/unknown term in them.

  4. Step 4: Look for signs of the unknown variables or terms.

  5. Step 5: Solve to find the first unknown variable from the resulting (rather shortened) equation.

  6. Step 6: 25 divided by 5 makes 5 so we have now found the value of "x" which is 5.

  7. Step 7: Find the value of "y".

  8. 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

K

Kevin Lopez

Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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