algebra : simultaneous equations
 
solution by substitution   by elimination   using graphs    

 

 


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    By substitution The method is to re-arrange one of the equations in the form 'x=' or 'y=' and substitute the value of x or y into the second equation.

    Example #1

    simultaneous #1

    Example #2

    simultaneous eq. #2

    Example #3

    simultaneous eq. #3

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    By elimination - Here one equation is altered to make one term in each equation the same(disregarding the +/- sign). These terms are then added or subtracted to eliminate them.

    Example #1

    simultaneous 4

    Example #2

    simultaneous #5

    Example #3

    simultaneous #6

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    Using graphs - For two separate functions, first write tables for x & y. Then draw the graphs. Where the graph lines intersect is the point that satisfies both equations. Simply read off the x and y values at the point.

    by graph #1

    The reader may wish to verify the result by one of the other methods given above.

    Example - by a graphical method find the coodinates of a point that satisfies the equations x+y=5 and y-2x=-2

    First draw your table, rearranging each equation to make 'y' the subject

    x
    1
    2
    3
    y=5-x
    4
    3
    2
    y=2x-2
    0
    2
    4

    Then plot the coordinates for each function, drawing straight lines through points.

    Where the lines cross gives the solution (2.3,2.7) One decimal place is usually sufficient.

    simultaneous eq. #2

     

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