G RADE 9 · O LEVEL ADD.

/E MAT H ✎

Chapter 2
Linear Graphs & Simultaneous Linear Equations

Oxford · Think! New Syllabus Mathematics (8th Edition) · Book 2

📘 What we will co ver in t his chapt er:

Cartesian plane revision Parallel & perpendicular lines
Horizontal & vertical lines Simultaneous equations - Graphical method
Gradient (rise over run) Simultaneous equations - Elimination
Types of gradient Simultaneous equations - Substitution
Linear equation ax+by=k Word problems & real-life applications
Converting to graph form y=mx+c Common mistakes
Drawing straight-line graphs Exam tips & Formula sheet
Finding intercepts Revision, FAQs, Top 20 questions, Mind map

→ Teacher's note: This is a HIGH-WEIGHTAGE chapter. Almost every paper has at least 2 questions
from simultaneous equations and 1 from graph sketching. Master the gradient formula first —
everything else builds on it.

Prepared by: Sir Sahir

Name: _____________________________ Class: __________ Date: __________

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 1
2.1 Revision — The Cartesian Plane

DEFINIT IO N The Cartesian plane is a flat surface formed by two perpendicular number lines: the
horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis , meeting at the origin O(0,0) .

Every point on the plane is written as an ordered pair (x , y) , where x = horizontal distance, y =
vertical distance from O.

Quadrant II (−,+) Quadrant I (+,+)

A (4, 5)

O x

B (−2, −1)

Quadrant III (−,−) Quadrant IV (+,−)

✔ Key fact s
x-coordinate is always written first (horizontal move).
y-coordinate is written second (vertical move).
The plane is divided into 4 quadrants, numbered anti-clockwise from top-right.

→ Never forget to label the axes! Examiners deduct a mark for unlabelled axes even if the graph is
correct.

P RACT ICE Plot the points C(3,-4) and D(-5,2) on a Cartesian plane and state which quadrant each
lies in.

ANSWER C lies in Quadrant IV D lies in Quadrant II

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2.2 Horizontal and Vertical Lines

DEFINIT IO N A horizontal line is parallel to the x-axis; every point on it has the same y-value. A
vertical line is parallel to the y-axis; every point on it has the same x-value.

📌 FO RMULAS
Horizontal line: y = k (k is a constant)
Vertical line: x = h (h is a constant)

y y x=2

y=3

x x

WO RKED EXAMP LE Draw the graph of y = -2.

Step 1: Every point has y = -2, x can be anything.

Step 2: Table: (-3,-2), (0,-2), (3,-2)
Step 3: Join the points → a straight horizontal line, 2 units below the x-axis.

SHO RT CUT "y = k" → line is flat (goes across). "x = h" → line is standing (goes up-down).
Remember: y for level, x for eXtending upward!

CO MMO N MIST AKE Students often mix up y=k and x=h and draw the line in the wrong direction. →
Students usually make this mistake — check which letter is fixed!

EXAM T IP The y-axis itself is the line x = 0, and the x-axis itself is the line y = 0.

P RACT ICE Write the equation of a line passing through (5,-3) and (5,7).

ANSWER x = 5 (same x-value → vertical line)

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2.3 Gradient (Slope)

DEFINIT IO N The gradient of a line measures how steep it is — the amount the line rises (or falls)
for every unit moved horizontally.

📌 FO RMULA
m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁) = Rise / Run

B(6,9)

Rise = 8

A(1,1) Run = 5
x

WO RKED EXAMP LE Find the gradient of the line joining A(1,1) and B(6,9).

m = (9 − 1)/(6 − 1) = 8/5 = 1.6

SHO RT CUT Always subtract in the same order for both x and y — "second minus first" both times,
or the sign flips!

EXAM T IP — EXAMINER'S FAVO URIT E Q UEST IO N: Given two points, find the gradient AND then the
equation of the line — always check which they're asking for.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Writing m = (x₂-x₁)/(y₂-y₁) — upside down! Rise (y) is always on TOP.

P RACT ICE Find the gradient of the line through P(-2,4) and Q(3,-6).

ANSWER m = (-6-4)/(3-(-2)) = -10/5 = -2

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2.4 Positive, Negative, Zero & Undefined Gradient

① Positive gradient ② Negative gradient

Line rises left→right. m > 0 Line falls left→right. m < 0

③ Zero gradient ④ Undefined gradient

Flat, horizontal line. m = 0 Vertical line. m = undefined (÷0)

✔ Remember t his fo rmula/rule

Undefined gradient happens ONLY when x₁ = x₂ (division by zero is impossible). Zero gradient
happens when y₁ = y₂.

EXAM T IP "Undefined" ≠ "zero". Many students confuse these two — a vertical line has NO gradient
(undefined), a horizontal line has gradient exactly 0.

P RACT ICE State the type of gradient for lines joining: (a) (2,3)&(5,3) (b) (4,1)&(4,8)

ANSWER (a) Zero gradient (b) Undefined gradient

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2.5 Linear Equations in the form ax + by = k

DEFINIT IO N Any equation where x and y appear only to the power 1 (no x², xy, √x etc.) is called a
linear equation. The general form is:

a x+by= k where a, b, k are constants (a,b ≠ 0 together)

This form is also called standard form. It is not yet ready for graphing — we must convert it into
gradient-intercept form first (see 2.6).

WO RKED EXAMP LE Identify a, b, k in 3x − 2y = 12.

a = 3, b = −2, k = 12

📌 Why t his fo rm mat t ers

Standard form is used heavily in simultaneous equations because it lines up x-terms and y-
terms neatly for elimination.

EXAM T IP When a question gives you an equation like 2x + 3y = 6, do NOT panic — you can still find
intercepts directly from this form without converting (see 2.8)!

CO MMO N MIST AKE Thinking ax+by=k is already "the equation of a line with gradient a/b" — WRONG.
You must rearrange first; the gradient is actually −a/b .

P RACT ICE Write "y is 4 more than twice x" in the form ax+by=k.

ANSWER y = 2x + 4 → −2x + y = 4 or 2x − y = −4

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2.6 Converting Equations into Graph Form (y = mx + c)

y= mx+c m = gradient, c = y-intercept

WO RKED EXAMP LE Convert 3x + 2y = 12 into the form y = mx + c.

Step 1: 3x + 2y = 12
Step 2: 2y = 12 − 3x (move 3x to RHS)
Step 3: y = (12 − 3x) / 2 (divide every term by 2)
Step 4: y = −1.5x + 6 → m = −1.5, c = 6

SHO RT CUT For ax + by = k, gradient m = −a/b and y-intercept c = k/b — no need to fully
rearrange if you just need m and c quickly!

WO RKED EXAMP LE 2 Convert 5x − y = 4 into graph form.

−y = 4 − 5x → y = 5x − 4 (multiply both sides by −1, flip every sign)

CO MMO N MIST AKE Forgetting to flip ALL signs when multiplying/dividing by a negative number. →
Students usually make this mistake on the constant term!

EXAM T IP Always double check by substituting one x-value back into both the original and
converted equation — the y-value must match.

P RACT ICE Convert 4x + 5y = 20 into y = mx + c form.

ANSWER y = −0.8x + 4

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2.7 Drawing Straight-Line Graphs

MET HO D — T ABLE O F VALUES Choose 3 x-values (small numbers, e.g. -1, 0, 2), substitute into the
equation to find matching y-values, plot the points, then join with a ruler.

WO RKED EXAMP LE Draw the graph of y = 2x − 1 for −2 ≤ x ≤ 3.

x −2 0 2
y −5 −1 3

y
(2,3)

(0,−1)

(−2,−5)

SHO RT CUT Once you have the gradient and y-intercept, you don't need a table at all: plot c on the
y-axis, then use "rise/run" from m to step to the next point.

EXAM T IP — ALWAYS USE A RULER for straight lines; freehand lines lose marks even if points are
correct.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Plotting (x,y) as (y,x) by mistake — always x first!

P RACT ICE Draw y = −x + 3 using a table for x = −1, 0, 2.

ANSWER Points: (−1,4), (0,3), (2,1) — straight line falling left to right.

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2.8 Finding Intercepts

📌 FO RMULAS
x-intercept → set y = 0 , solve for x.
y-intercept → set x = 0 , solve for y.

WO RKED EXAMP LE Find both intercepts of 4x + 3y = 24.

x-intercept: y=0 → 4x = 24 → x = 6 → point (6, 0)

y-intercept: x=0 → 3y = 24 → y = 8 → point (0, 8)

y
(0,8)

x
(6,0)

SHO RT CUT For ax+by=k: x-intercept = k/a, y-intercept = k/b. No rearranging needed!

EXAM T IP — ALWAYS CHECK T HE INT ERCEP T S: Substitute both intercepts back into the original equation
to confirm before drawing.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Swapping which variable to set to zero — remember: "x-intercept" is a point ON
the x-axis, so y must be 0 there (not x)!

P RACT ICE Find the intercepts of 2x − 5y = 10.

ANSWER x-intercept (5,0); y-intercept (0,−2)

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2.9 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

📌 CO NDITIO NS
Parallel lines: m₁ = m₂ (equal gradients)
Perpendicular lines: m₁ × m₂ = −1 (gradients are negative reciprocals)

Parallel lines (same slope) Perpendicular lines (⊥, fo

WO RKED EXAMP LE 1 Is the line through (1,2)&(3,6) parallel to y = 2x + 5?

m = (6-2)/(3-1) = 2. Since y=2x+5 has m=2, and 2 = 2 → Yes, parallel.

WO RKED EXAMP LE 2 Find the gradient of a line perpendicular to y = (3/4)x − 1.

m₁ = 3/4 → m₂ = −1 ÷ (3/4) = −4/3 (flip and change sign)

SHO RT CUT To find a perpendicular gradient: flip the fraction AND change the sign — "flip & flip
sign."

EXAM T IP — EXAMINER'S FAVO URIT E Q UEST IO N: "Show that ABCD is a rectangle/ parallelogram" using
gradients — find all 4 side gradients and compare.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Multiplying gradients and forgetting the answer must equal exactly −1, not just
"opposite sign".

P RACT ICE Are lines with gradients 2/3 and −3/2 perpendicular?

ANSWER (2/3)×(−3/2) = −1 → Yes, perpendicular.

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2.10 Simultaneous Linear Equations — Graphical Method

DEFINIT IO N Simultaneous equations are two (or more) equations that share the same variables
and must be true at the same time. The solution is the pair (x,y) that satisfies BOTH equations.

📌 GRAPHICAL METHO D Plot both lines on the same axes. The point where the lines
cross (intersect) is the solution.

WO RKED EXAMP LE Solve graphically: y = x + 1 and y = −x + 5

x 0 2 4

y=x+1 1 3 5

x 0 2 4
y=−x+5 5 3 1

y=−x+5

Solut ion (2,3)

y=x+1

Reading off the graph, the two lines intersect at (2, 3). So x = 2, y = 3.

EXAM T IP Always draw BOTH lines carefully with a ruler on the same grid — accuracy of ±0.5 unit is
usually accepted, but a neat graph avoids losing marks.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Reading the intersection point as (y,x) instead of (x,y).

P RACT ICE Solve graphically: y = 2x − 2 and y = −x + 4.

ANSWER Intersection at (2, 2)

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 11
2.11 Simultaneous Equations — Elimination Method

DEFINIT IO N The elimination method removes one variable by adding or subtracting the two
equations after making the coefficients of that variable equal (in size).

WO RKED EXAMP LE 1 Solve: 3x + 2y = 16 …(1) x + 2y = 8 …(2)

Step 1: y-terms already match (2y in both).

Step 2: (1) − (2): (3x−x) + (2y−2y) = 16−8 → 2x = 8 → x = 4
Step 3: Substitute x=4 into (2): 4 + 2y = 8 → 2y = 4 → y = 2
Step 4: Check in (1): 3(4)+2(2)=12+4=16 ✓

Final Answer: x = 4, y = 2

WO RKED EXAMP LE 2 Solve: 2x + 3y = 13 …(1) 5x − 2y = 4 …(2)

Step 1: Match y-coefficients → (1)×2: 4x+6y=26 (2)×3: 15x−6y=12

Step 2: Add the two new equations: 19x = 38 → x = 2
Step 3: Substitute into (1): 4 + 3y = 13 → y = 3

Final Answer: x = 2, y = 3

SHO RT CUT "Same sign → subtract. Opposite sign → add." (S.S.S. / O.S.A.)

CO MMO N MIST AKE Multiplying only ONE side of an equation instead of every term (including the
constant on the RHS).

EXAM T IP Always verify your final answer by substituting back into the ORIGINAL (not the
multiplied) equation.

P RACT ICE Solve: 4x + y = 14 and 2x − y = 4.

ANSWER x = 3, y = 2

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 12
2.12 Simultaneous Equations — Substitution Method

DEFINIT IO N The substitution method makes one variable the subject in one equation, then
substitutes that expression into the other equation.

WO RKED EXAMP LE 1 Solve: y = 2x − 1 …(1) 3x + y = 14 …(2)

Step 1: (1) already gives y in terms of x.

Step 2: Substitute into (2): 3x + (2x−1) = 14 → 5x − 1 = 14 → 5x = 15 → x = 3
Step 3: Substitute x=3 into (1): y = 2(3)−1 = 5

Final Answer: x = 3, y = 5

WO RKED EXAMP LE 2 Solve: x + 2y = 9 …(1) 2x − y = 3 …(2)

Step 1: From (1): x = 9 − 2y

Step 2: Substitute into (2): 2(9−2y) − y = 3 → 18 − 4y − y = 3 → −5y = −15 → y = 3
Step 3: x = 9 − 2(3) = 3

Final Answer: x = 3, y = 3

SHO RT CUT Choose the variable with coefficient 1 to make the subject first — avoids fractions.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Forgetting brackets when substituting an expression — causing sign errors, e.g.
writing 2·9−2y instead of 2(9−2y).

EXAM T IP Substitution is fastest when one equation already has an isolated variable; otherwise
elimination is often quicker.

P RACT ICE Solve: y = 3x + 2 and 2x + y = 12.

ANSWER x = 2, y = 8

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2.13 Word Problems & Real-Life Applications

ST RAT EG Y ① Define variables clearly ② Translate sentences into two equations ③ Solve using
elimination or substitution ④ Answer IN WORDS with correct units.

WO RKED EXAMP LE 1 — CO ST P RO BLEM

2 pens and 3 rulers cost $16. 4 pens and 1 ruler cost $12. Find the cost of a pen and a ruler.

Let pen = $x, ruler = $y.

2x + 3y = 16 …(1) 4x + y = 12 …(2)
From (2): y = 12 − 4x
Substitute into (1): 2x + 3(12−4x) = 16 → 2x+36−12x=16 → −10x=−20 → x = 2
y = 12 − 4(2) = 4

Final Answer: Pen = $2, Ruler = $4

WO RKED EXAMP LE 2 — AG E P RO BLEM

A father is 3 times as old as his son. In 5 years, he will be twice as old. Find their present ages.

Let father = x, son = y. x = 3y …(1) x+5 = 2(y+5) …(2)

Sub (1) into (2): 3y+5 = 2y+10 → y = 5 → x = 15

Final Answer: Father = 15 years, Son = 5 years

EXAM T IP Always state units and re-read the question — "in 5 years" means add 5 to BOTH ages.

CO MMO N MIST AKE Forgetting to add "+5" to both people when dealing with "in n years" problems.

P RACT ICE The sum of two numbers is 24; their difference is 8. Find the numbers.

ANSWER 16 and 8

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 14
2.14 Common Mistakes — Full Chapter Checklist

Confusing x=h (vertical) with y=k (horizontal) lines.

Writing gradient formula upside-down: (x₂−x₁)/(y₂−y₁).
Mixing up "undefined" gradient with "zero" gradient.
Forgetting to flip ALL signs when dividing by a negative number.
Setting the wrong variable to zero when finding intercepts.
Using m₁=m₂ for perpendicular lines instead of m₁×m₂=−1.
Multiplying only one term (not the whole equation) during elimination.
Forgetting brackets when substituting an expression into another equation.
Not checking the final solution in BOTH original equations.
Drawing graphs freehand instead of with a ruler — loses accuracy marks.
Leaving axes unlabelled or scale inconsistent.
Reading the intersection point backwards as (y,x).

→ Tip: go through this list the night before your exam — 90% of lost marks in this chapter come from
this list!

2.15 Examination Tips

Always show every algebraic step — method marks are awarded even for a wrong final answer.
Use a sharp pencil and ruler for ALL graph work.
Label BOTH axes with variable name and scale.
Box or underline your final answer.
For simultaneous equations, ALWAYS verify your answer by substitution.
In word problems, define your variables in the first line of working.
Watch out for negative coefficients — a common trap in Paper 2 questions.
Manage time: graphical method is slower — only use it when the question specifically asks for it.

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 15
📄 Formula Sheet — Chapter 2
Horizontal line: y = k

Vertical line: x = h

Gradient: m = (y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁)

Gradient-intercept form: y = mx + c

Standard form: ax + by = k

From standard form: m = −a/b , c = k/b

x-intercept: set y = 0 (for ax+by=k → x-int = k/a)

y-intercept: set x = 0 (for ax+by=k → y-int = k/b)

Parallel lines: m₁ = m₂

Perpendicular lines: m₁ × m₂ = −1

Quick reference — types of gradient

Direction Gradient sign

Rises L→R Positive

Falls L→R Negative

Flat (horizontal) Zero

Standing (vertical) Undefined

→ Stick this page inside your exercise book cover!

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 16
📄 One-Page Revision Notes
Cartesian plane: x first, y second; 4 quadrants anticlockwise from top-right.
y=k horizontal, x=h vertical.
Gradient m = rise/run = (y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁). Positive ↗, negative ↘, zero →, undefined ↕.
Standard form ax+by=k converts to y=mx+c by isolating y.
Graphing: table of values (3 points) → plot → ruler-join.
Intercepts: x-int (set y=0), y-int (set x=0).
Parallel: equal m. Perpendicular: m₁m₂=−1.
Simultaneous equations — 3 methods:

Graphical → intersection point of two lines.

Elimination → match coefficients, add/subtract.
Substitution → isolate one variable, plug into the other equation.

Word problems: define variables → form 2 equations → solve → answer in words with units.
Always check your solution in BOTH original equations before writing the final answer.

🎯 5-Minut e Speed Revisio n O rder Gradient formula → y=mx+c → Intercepts →

Parallel/Perp rule → Elimination steps → Substitution steps.

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 17
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know when to use elimination vs substitution?
A: If a variable already has coefficient 1 (e.g. y = ... ), use substitution. If both equations are in
ax+by=k form with no isolated variable, elimination is usually faster.

Q2. Why is a vertical line's gradient "undefined" and not zero?

A: Gradient = rise/run. For a vertical line, run = 0, and dividing by 0 is impossible — hence "undefined".

Q3. Do I always have to convert ax+by=k to y=mx+c before graphing?

A: No — you can also find the two intercepts directly from ax+by=k and join them; this is often faster.

Q4. What if the two lines in a simultaneous equation never meet?

A: This happens when the lines are parallel (equal gradient, different intercept) — there is no
solution.

Q5. What if the graphical intersection point is not exact whole numbers?
A: Use elimination or substitution algebraically to confirm the exact value — graphs give estimates
only.

Q6. How many marks are usually given for simultaneous equations in exams?
A: Typically 4–6 marks: 1 for correct setup, 2–3 for correct method/working, 1 for final answer(s).

Q7. Is x=0 the same as y-axis?

A: Yes — the y-axis IS the line x=0, and the x-axis IS the line y=0.

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 18
⭐ Top 20 Exam-Style Questions (Practice List)
1. Plot A(2,3), B(−4,1) and state their quadrants.
2. Write the equation of the line through (5,2) and (5,−6).
3. Find the gradient of the line joining (−1,4) and (3,−8).
4. State whether the gradient is positive, negative, zero, or undefined for x=−3.
5. Convert 6x − 3y = 18 into y=mx+c form.
6. Find m and c for 2x + 5y = 20 without full rearranging.
7. Draw the graph of y = −2x + 3 for −2 ≤ x ≤ 3 using a table of values.
8. Find the x- and y-intercepts of 5x + 2y = 20.
9. Show that lines y=3x−1 and y=3x+7 are parallel.
10. Find the gradient of a line perpendicular to y = −(2/5)x + 4.
11. Show ABCD (given 4 coordinates) is a parallelogram using gradients.
12. Solve graphically: y = x + 2 and y = −2x + 8.
13. Solve by elimination: 2x+3y=12, 4x−y=10.
14. Solve by elimination: 5x+2y=19, 3x+2y=13.
15. Solve by substitution: y=4x−3, 2x+y=15.
16. Solve by substitution: x+3y=10, 2x−y=6.
17. Two numbers: sum is 30, difference is 6. Find them.
18. 4 apples and 3 oranges cost $17; 2 apples and 5 oranges cost $19. Find cost of each.
19. A rectangle's length is twice its width; perimeter is 60cm. Form and solve simultaneous
equations.
20. Explain (with a sketch) why some simultaneous equations have no solution.

→ Attempt all 20 under timed conditions (35 mins) before the test!

CHAPT ER 2 • PAG E 19
🧠 Quick Revision Mind Map
Gradient & Types

Horiz/Vert lines Parallel/Perp lines

LINEAR GRAPHS &

SIMULT. EQUATIONS

Simultaneous Eqns:
Intercepts & y=mx+c Graph/Elim./Sub.

Word Problems

Chapter Summary

This chapter connects algebra and geometry: every linear equation ax+by=k represents a straight
line, whose steepness is measured by the gradient m, and whose position is fixed by the intercepts.
When two such lines are considered together, their common solution (found graphically, by
elimination, or by substitution) answers real-world problems involving cost, age, speed, and more.

→ Master this chapter and Chapter 3 (Quadratics) becomes much easier — the graph skills carry
forward directly!

End of Chapt er 2 — Well Done! ✔

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