Chapter 2: Simultaneous Equations
August 17, 2025
Open Problem (p. 2.2)
Beginning by exploring the problem of determining the number of apples and pears if
you have 45 fruits in total, with apples costing 1eachandpears2 each, and the total cost
is [Link].
2.0 Concept Review
A. Solving linear equations with brackets
Starting by explaining that linear equations with brackets require distributing terms
before solving. Illustrating with the example of solving 2(x + 3) = 10.
• Distribute: 2x + 6 = 10.
• Subtract 6: 2x = 4.
• Divide by 2: x = 2.
B. Rectangular coordinate plane
Continuing by describing the rectangular coordinate plane used to graph equations with
two variables, x and y, using a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. Plotting points as
ordered pairs (x, y).
1. Solve 3(x − 2) = 9
2. Graph the point (3, 4) on a coordinate plane
3. Solve 5(x + 1) = 20
2.1 Linear Equations in Two Unknowns
A. Concept of linear equations in two unknowns
Continuing by defining a linear equation in two unknowns, such as 2x + y = 5, which
has infinitely many solutions unless paired with another equation to form simultaneous
equations.
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B. Solutions of linear equations in two unknowns
Proceeding by identifying solutions as pairs (x, y) that satisfy the equation. For 2x+y = 5,
if x = 1, then y = 3, so (1, 3) is a solution.
C. Graphs of linear equations in two unknowns
Concluding by explaining graphing involves plotting points and drawing a straight line.
For y = 2x + 1, points like (0, 1) and (1, 3) form the line.
1. Find the solution for x + 2y = 6 where x = 2
2. Graph y = x + 2 using two points
3. Determine if (2, 4) satisfies 3x − y = 2
2.2 Solving Simultaneous Equations: Graphical Method
Continuing by instructing to solve simultaneous equations by graphing both equations
and finding the intersection point. For y = x + 1 and y = 2x − 1, the intersection at (2, 3)
is the solution.
1. Graph y = x and y = 4 − x to find the solution
2. Solve y = 2x + 1 and y = −x + 4 graphically
3. Find the solution for the intersection of y = 3x − 2 and y = x + 2
2.3 Solving Simultaneous Equations: Method of Sub-
stitution
Proceeding by substituting one equation into another. For x + y = 5 and x = y + 1:
• Substitute x = y + 1 into x + y = 5: (y + 1) + y = 5.
• Simplify: 2y + 1 = 5, 2y = 4, y = 2.
• Then x = 3, so the solution is (3, 2).
1. Solve x + y = 7 and x = y − 1 using substitution
2. Solve 2x + y = 8 and y = x − 2
3. Solve x − y = 3 and 2x + y = 9
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2.4 Solving Simultaneous Equations: Method of Elim-
ination
Continuing by eliminating one variable by adding or subtracting equations. For 2x+y = 5
and x − y = 1:
• Add: 3x = 6, x = 2.
• Substitute x = 2 into x − y = 1: 2 − y = 1, y = 1.
• Solution: (2, 1).
1. Solve x + y = 5 and x − y = 1 using elimination
2. Solve 3x + 2y = 8 and x − 2y = 4
3. Solve 4x − y = 7 and 2x + y = 5
2.5 Applications of Simultaneous Equations
Concluding by applying to real-world problems. If 3 apples and 2 pears cost 11, and2applesand3pearscost
let a be apples and p be pears:
• 3a + 2p = 11.
• 2a + 3p = 12.
• Using elimination: Multiply first by 2 and second by 3, then solve.
1. Two shirts and three ties cost 45, oneshirtandtwotiescost25. Find the cost of each.
2. A boat travels 24 km downstream and 16 km upstream in 6 hours. If the speed of
the current is 2 km/h, find the boat’s speed.
3. A farmer has 20 animals, some cows and some chickens. If there are 54 legs in total,
how many of each?
Chapter Quiz
1. Solve x + y = 6 and x − y = 2 using elimination
2. Graph y = x + 3 and y = −x + 1 to find the solution
3. Solve 2x + y = 7 and x = y − 1 using substitution
4. A number plus twice another is 10, and their difference is 2. Find the numbers.
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Revision Exercise 2
1. Solve 3x + y = 10 and x + y = 4 using elimination
2. solvey = 2x − 1 and y = −x + 4
3. Solve x + 2y = 5 and x = 3y − 1 using substitution
4. Two items cost 15together, onecosts2 more than the other. Find their costs.
Investigation Task
Investigating how the graphical method changes when equations are parallel (e.g., y =
2x + 1 and y = 2x + 3). Determining what this implies about solutions.
Answers
• 2.0: 1. x = 5, 2. Plot at (3, 4), 3. x = 3.
• 2.1: 1. y = 2, 2. Points (0, 2), (1, 3), 3. No.
• 2.2: 1. (2, 2), 2. (1, 3), 3. (1, 3).
• 2.3: 1. (3, 4), 2. (2, 4), 3. (4, 1).
• 2.4: 1. (3, 2), 2. (2, 1), 3. (2, 1).
• 2.5: 1. Shirt 10, T ie5, 2. Boat 6 km/h, 3. 8 cows, 12 chickens.
• Quiz: 1. (4, 2), 2. (1, 4), 3. (2, 3), 4. 4 and 3.
• Revision: 1. (2, 2), 2. (1, 1), 3. (1, 2), 4. 6.50and8.50.
Key Concepts
- Simultaneous equations have unique solutions when lines intersect. - Graphical, substi-
tution, and elimination are key solving methods. - Real-world problems can be modeled
with two equations. - Parallel lines indicate no solution.