6.2.2 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Variables
1. Two equations are said to be simultaneous linear equations in two variables if
(a) Both are linear equations in two variables, and
(b) Both involve the same variables.
Example: 2x + y = 9, x = 2y + 1
2. The solution of two simultaneous linear equations in two variables is any pair of values (x, y) that satisfied both the equations.
3. Simultaneous linear equations in two variables can be solved by the substitution method or the elimination method.
Example:
Solve the following simultaneous linear equation.
2x + y = 9
3x – y = –4
(A) Substitution method
2x + y = 9 -------- (1) ← label the equations as (1) and (2)
3x – y = –4 ------- (2)
From equation (1),
y = 9 – 2x ------- (3) ← expressing y in terms of x.
Substitute equation (3) into equation (2),
3x – (9 – 2x) = –4
3x – 9 + 2x = –4
5x = –4 + 9
5x = 5
x = 1
Substitute x = 1 into equation (1),
2 (1) + y = 9
2 + y = 9
y = 9 – 2
y = 7
The solution is x = 1, y = 7.
2x + y = 9 -------- (1) ← Both equations have the same coefficient of y.
3x – y = –4 ------- (2)
(1) + (2): 2x + 3x = 9 + (–4) ← y + (–y) = 0
5x = 5
x = 1
Substitute x = 1 into equation (1) or (2),
2x + y = 9 -------- (1)
2 (1) + y = 9
y = 9 – 2
y = 7
The solution is x = 1, y = 7.