Download a copy of the questions here: QT Simultaneous Linear Equations
Download a copy of the answers: QT Simultaneous Linear Equations ANSWERS
These videos show how to solve simultaneous linear equations in steps.
- The first video should be relatively straightforward as it only deals with positive numbers.
- The second is a little trickier (around level 5) and involves dealing with a negative term.
- The third video … shows more of a real application..
Download a copy of the questions here: QT Simultaneous Linear Equations
Download a copy of the answers: QT Simultaneous Equations ANSWERS
Learning how to solve simultaneous linear equations can be important for applications in economics, such as working out the best price to sell a product. This is usually called ‘supply and demand.’
Imagine you make pencils:
- If you sell at a high price they’ll be less demand
- If you sell at a low price they’ll be too many and less profit
Simultaneous equations can be created to show how quantities sold vary with supply and demand. These can then be solved to show the best price to make sure you sell your pencils, and the demand continues.
Another example – a favourite in exams – is to use mobile phone contracts. Sometimes these are given as a graph and there’s more about this in the next post. Although the question is usually two linear equations, and it asks you to pick the best value.
One of my favourite exam questions involves The Khans and The Smiths buying theatre tickets. Each family has got different numbers of adults and children … and you need to create a couple of simultaneous equations to work out the price of each ticket.
These kind of questions may be a little strange (why didn’t they just ring the box office?), but they do give an insight into how equations work. There are other examples such as arranging a meeting half way through a journey or working out the cost of bank loans.
Please add a comment below with any more real life examples.
Watch the videos on YouTube:
How to solve simultaneous linear equations using algebra
How to solve simultaneous linear equations using algebra
Simultaneous equations GCSE higher maths
Simultaneous Equation Word Problems – GCSE maths higher tier
How to solve simultaneous equation word problems
Solve a Simultaneous Linear Equation – word problem QV Q7
Solve a Simultaneous Linear Equation – word problem QV Q8
Solve a Simultaneous Linear Equation – word problem QV Q9
Solve a Simultaneous Linear Equation – word problem QV Q10
Georgie says
r+s/8s = r-s/8n
I have this equation to rearrange to make r the subject (apologies, but don’t have a divide button on my computer!!!!!!)
I’m really confused so would appreciate any feedback you have that could help me
Many thanks
Simon says
Hi Georgie
I’ve been working through this but please could you check the question? The couple of solutions I have cancel out the r (as it’s just one value of r each side).
Renea Chua says
How do you do this:
a – 5b = -12
8a + 3b = -10
MagicMinter HD says
wtf i did the same method with this question and didnt get it right
4x+y=25
x-3y=16
InsaneGamer says
where have you been all this time??
SuperSonicSpeedGuy says
The camera keeps going all blurry, like at 4:00 🙁 But thanks for the vid!
Hannah Dale says
Thank you so much for these videos! I’m currently revising for end of year
exams and this is helping alot! Very much appreciated.
sandev randhawa says
great video to watch
Ajit King says
did you know science
Ajit King says
you are a very good teacher dude.
CoolCat4196 says
I have this equation that I would like you to help me with, if possible.
Parking Station A: charges $3.20 (first hour) and $2.00 (afterwards)
Parking Station B: charges $6.00 (first hour) and $1.20 (afterwards)
Calculate the times of parking which would result in the cost being the
same at both parking stations.
I hope that you can help, Thanks and you are great
kurtis sankey says
having trouble with this one A television repair person charges a service
call of $36 and then a further $28 per hour. An electrician charges a
service call of $24 and then a further $36 per hour. Use simultaneous
equations to calculate the number of hours each person worked to charge the
same total fee. What is the fee?
Ahmed El-Aide says
there is a question I found and I couldn’t solve it please help me
the cost oh hire a tent consists of two parts
$C and $D per day ( there is a plus sign in the place of “and”)
total cost for 4 days is $27.1 and for 7 days $34.30
write down the 2 equations
J. Moore says
THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU HAVE SAVED MY LIFE
unknown profile says
a and b are positive whole numbers.
find value of a and b to make the solution to this equation x=4
a(x+1)+b(x-2)=16 please help me if you can 🙂
Lee Dodd says
Do you have any videos on Algebra and area.I am not sure what the correct
name for it is, EG A triangle is drawn with 3x-15 then 2x-24 then one side
saying x+2.Then you have to work out the Perimeter.
The Astute Atheist. says
Hey, it may be a bit late, as the video was uploaded two years ago
(almost). But I have a question, and I have NO clue how to do it. It’s a
big one with a table so I will try my best:
*Question:*
A company makes three types of patio furniture, chairs, rockers and chaise
lounges. Each require wood, plastic and aluminium, as given by the table
below. The company has 400 units of wood, 600 units of plastic and 1500
units of aluminium.
*Table:*
Wood Plastic Aluminium
Chair 1 Unit 1 Unit 2 Units
Rocker 1 Unit 1 Unit 3 Units
Chaise Lounge 1 Unit 2 Units 5 Units
For it’s end of season production run, the company wants to use up ALL the
stock. To do this, *calculate* how many chairs, rockers and chaise lounges
should the company make?
*We have been doing simultaneous equations and linear functions in class,
that could help*. I really need help so, it’d be REALLY awesome if you
could help me out.
ABDUL JAWAD Ghalib says
I hav given a symultaneous equation word problem it would be a grateful if
you kindly give the solution of the following question:
At a shooting range, each shot costs 20c. If you hit the target, you
receive 30c. Mira has 20 shots and makes a loss of 70c. How many hits did
she get?
On The Road Media says
“Solve algebraically these simultaneous equations.”
y= 4x² – 9x -1
y= 5-4x
willoxens says
Could you help me with a question?
It asks to consider the equations:
(k-3)x+5y=-2
2x-3y=4
where k is a real constant for which I have to find the unique solution.
Thanks in advance!
Ambra Onyss says
where did x=4 come from?
yassin ramadan says
thanx a lot you really did help with this. im going to do my GCSE after a
month so thanx again
hi ih says
how is it x=4? where did this come from? it got me so confused. pls reply
CoD Shotz says
Thank you this was really helpful.
stephen barker says
q1 there are 1130 pupils in a school and no classes have more than 32
pupils. how many classrooms could be used show this information as an
inequality. q2 a person is prepared to spend £300 taking friends
out to celebrate. if the restaurant charges £12 per head how many guests
can be invited show this information as an inequality can you help please
Shoot Fresh Mine says
hey can u help me answer these questions
-5m-3n=-3
10m-7n=-12
AND
-2v+w=-19
-2v-7=21
thanks
Shoot Fresh Mine says
Hey I got a question which I need help with working out.
3u+v=17
7u+v=29
Dafydd Morris says
How would I do
4x+3Y=12
6x+2Y=13
Dafydd Morris says
Praise be Simon deacon 😀
Shoot Fresh Mine says
How would u work out
3p+5q=43
8p+5q=73
Cethical says
You’re such a humble bloke. I miss London just because of your manners.
ABWEndon says
Thank you Simon. Very well explained and although my brain hurts a little,
I can feel that it has done me some good!
vani na says
thank you so much
Phase Gaming says
thanks i have a maths test coming up and you relay helped
stephen barker says
have i got this right if both equations are + you subtract if both
minus you add and 1 of each you add
Mathew Stenton says
Wow Simon your my best friend and I love you thanks
OpiumMessiah says
Thanks, man. 🙂
Phoenix Feathers says
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!
Charlie Michele says
Thank you so much! I finally get it!
Daniel Gadd says
2y = 5x + 7
3y = -2x -5
Help me here someone please
Daniel Kibby says
I’ve watched 3 of your videos as I am retaking my Maths GCSE and found them
very helpful. Thank you.
Walter Payton says
it helped me ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! may god bless you sir
MegaSaya64 says
thankkk
Hayden Nicholson says
Thanks +Simon Deacon helped alot!
bubbles xo says
very helpful cheers
Marcin Szostok says
THANK YOU !
thejchan16 says
Thanks for the video! It was so helpful leading up to my Maths Test. You
are such a great teacher! Keep doing what you do because your awesome!
Michelle Wanha says
Thank you sir!
Mateen Malik says
Thanks makes a lot more sense.
Jose Dominguez says
Fix the audio
ibraheem nawaz says
Awesome Best tutor you are better than my maths teacher.. 🙂
Tendaishe Mbele says
thank you so much, i was confused before i watched this video 😀
stephen barker says
im trying understand something quadratic equations no 1 x sqaured
minus x minus 56 =0 changed from minus b at start to positive minus minus
is a plus comes out right as 8 and minus 7 next question 3x sqaured +
7x minus 13 =0 but with this one if you change the minus at start to plus
answers in back of book are different to what it comes up with any advice.
Matthew Sydoruk says
hi
stephen barker says
can you check some equations been told there wrong 4x plus 2y = 12 x +
2y = 6 2y cancels out 4x minus x = 3x 3x = 12 minus 6 is 6 so x = 2 2
plus 2y = 6 y = 2 so x is 2 and y is 2 been told can only use each
number once
yukicross6767 says
you see i have this equation tht i dont get may u help me?
see i have {5x+2y=19 … 1
{2x+3y=12 …2
but i dont get how you r suppose to multiple this by 3 for the top and then
u need to multiple by 2 for the second part
Peter Backstrand says
how became x=4 all of a sudden? 7:45
stephen barker says
how do you solve simultanious equations graphically
Jibrael Malik says
Thanks helped me out!
stephen barker says
i do simultanious equations using the same method as in the vid
HilalFener says
Why is y=2? im kind of confused how you got 2
stephen barker says
got it. if a farmer wishes to promote the white ridge back sow as the most
prolific breeder then which of the 3averages would he not include
stephen barker says
youll have do some with minus terms
stephen barker says
how would i solve x squared + y squared = 29
and y _ x = 3
Josh Shil says
Hi Simon Deacon I am looking for questions that give the answer of both x’s
and both y’s FOR SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS LINEAR EQUATIONS. Thank you
stephen barker says
x squared +y squared = 29 y minus x = 3 thats the first set set 2 is y+ 1
=x squared and x = y minus 1
Cameron Richmond says
Very useful doing this in maths and I didn’t understand it till now and I
can solve these in my up and coming maths exam
davidymcmb says
Thanks for the help man!
stephen barker says
ive nailed equations with minus numbers already for next year now
BAT TT says
This is very helpful thank you
Justin Beary says
Thank you so much I finally understand how to do it without making stupid
mistakes wuhuuuuu!
Annie Lim says
it is really blur
mussa sherif says
Thanx
killa killa says
Thanks you really helped I have a test tomorrow-hope I do well
stephen barker says
i make 1 letter the same in both equations subtracted answers gets
remaining letter
mohamed abdelhalim says
thanks !!! really did help.could you solve this question for me please. A
submarine can travel at 25 knots with the current and at 16 knots against
it .Find the speed of the wind and the speed of the submarine in still
water.
SkizaKiza says
thankyou for the help!
Simon Deacon says
Please like and leave a comment!
Visit https://www.3minutemaths.co.uk for real maths, tips and techniques.
Satellite Dave says
Thank you very much!! Your video helped me a lot!
Finlay McKee says
I have my GCSE’s this year and you have managed to teach me what my maths
teacher has failed to. Thank you so much!
Anita Cheung says
thanks
Simon Deacon says
Hi – you need to plot both lines and see where they cross. It’s OK if you
have an idea where they are likely to be on a graph… but it can take a
long time to get that information. I’ll post a video on this and let you
know. Simultaneous solving by using algebra is better and easier. All best S
stephen barker says
a graph how would i do that
Simon Deacon says
Hi – this is really the easiest way. You could solve by plotting a graph
but it takes a while and isn’t always very accurate. Keep practicing and
good luck!
stephen barker says
whats the easyest way to solve these
Simon Deacon says
Hi – Q2 needs a bit more explanation. If you email me through Maths Wrap I’ll send a solution. In the meantime Q1:
You’ve got 2 equations J = 2L and J + L = 5L – 48.
So, change both and you’ll get J-2L = 0 and J-4L = -48. Then take eq2 from eq1 and you should get -2L = -48. So L = 24.
Put L=24 back into eq1 and J = 48.
So Jan is 48 and Lisa is 24.
I hope this helps and all best S
mymindydiditong says
*two
mymindydiditong says
Hi, im not sure how to solve these teo problems:
1)Jan is twice as old as Lisa. The sum of their ages is 5 times Lisa’s age minus 48. How old are they now?
2)John received changes worth $13 all in coins. He received 10 more dimes than nickles, and 22 more quarters than dimes. How many coins of each did he receive?
Simon Deacon says
Hi Mustanser – glad you liked the video and thanks for the comment 🙂
The first equation is F = 3S . The second is a little more difficult. Imagine 10 years ago … at that stage the father would be F – 10 and the son would be S – 10.
However the dad is 5 times older so F – 10 = 5 (S – 10). Now you’ve got two equations F = 3S (or F – 3S = 0) and F – 10 = 5S – 50 (or F – 5S = -40). Take equation 2. away from equation 1. You should end up with the son aged 20 and the dad aged 60. All best S
mustanser hussain says
ago*
mustanser hussain says
Hey,this was very useful indeed,thankyou.Can u give me the solution for this problem. A man is 3 times the age of his son.10 years aga he was five times the age of his son.Find their ages by finding the value of x.
Simon Deacon says
Hi Glen – when I posted this it took out the new lines and doesn’t look as neat. I hope you can follow. If not please send your email address through mathswrap and I’ll send a reply.
Simon Deacon says
Hi Glen – you’ve got two equations:
C + Z = 25
3.2C + 1.4Z = 62
Multiply first by 3.2 (and leave second) so:
3.2C + 3.2Z = 80
3.2C + 1.4Z = 62
Take second from first, so:
1.8Z = 18
Therefore Z = 10
Then put back into
C+ Z = 25
C + 10 = 25
So C = 15
The alloy has 15kg of copper and 10kg of zinc.
I hope this helps and thanks for the question.
All best
S
Simon Deacon says
Hi Glen – you’ve got two equations:
C + Z = 25
3.2C + 1.4Z = 62
Multiply first by 3.2 (and leave second) so:
3.2C + 3.2Z = 80
3.2C + 1.4Z = 62
Take second from first, so:
1.8Z = 18
Therefore Z = 10
Then put back into
C+ Z = 25
C + 10 = 25
So C = 15
The alloy has 15kg of copper and 10kg of zinc.
I hope this helps and thanks for the question.
All best
S
Glen Rossow says
The materials to make 25kg of an alloy of copper and zinc cost $62. If the copper costs $3.20/kg and the zinc costs $1.40/kg, find the composition of the alloy.
How would i do that problem?
Kim Khus says
it helps me thanks
Simon Deacon says
Hi – generally yes, although you might need to change the equations a little. Thanks for the comment 🙂
zareensaba says
So Mr Simon .if we have two turms negative equation we add after we multiply .and with positive equations we subtract after the multiplication.right?!
Devansh Sangoi says
oregata
Simon Deacon says
Hi Ayisha – no, numbers change, although most examples tend to use ‘easier’ numbers. I’ll post a video with some harder questions and let you know when done. All best S 🙂
ayisha asuni says
anytime you have an equation do u always have to use the numbers 3 and 4
Simon Deacon says
Hi – yep – went out and bought a better camera soon afterwards! Thanks for the comment and hope the vid was helpful 🙂
Ciara Mcsorley says
the only downside is that it isn’t in focus!!
Simon Deacon says
Hi – this would be around B grade. If there was a ‘word’ problem that you needed to create the two equations, it would be an A / B.
Georgia Pennant says
What grade is this?
KellyReveiw says
thanks !!! really did help 🙂
Simon Deacon says
Hi … hmm. There could be a way of getting a -7.5 if the width was also negative in your calculation. For most questions they would expect you to then convert to both positive numbers – and say the pool is 7.5m width. My email is on mathswrap – if you send me a copy (photo is fine) of your working – I’ll mark and email back. Hope this helps. S
Nada Abdalla says
would it still be correct if we wrote that the width is equal to -7.5?
David Taylor says
The step by step approach is just what students need and the inclusion of real life examples (why we learn this in the first place) is a great bonus.
Simon Deacon says
🙂 thanks
lordmoonaz69 says
Cool, thanks for your videos 🙂 you make it so easy to understand
Simon Deacon says
Hi I’m a maths tutor and also run three first class learning centres.
lordmoonaz69 says
Are you a maths teacher?
Simon Deacon says
Simultaneous word problems coming soon!