Question

please help me solve this simultaneous equation..
x+2y=5
3x+2y=3

Answer 1

Subtract them, what will you get?

Answer 2

subtract what?

Answer 3

x+2y=5 (1)
3x+2y=3 (2)
Subtract the first equation for the second one, of course!

Answer 4

i'm sorry i've never been taught this in school..its difficult for me to understand :/

Answer 5

No problem, I'm glad you speak it up so I know the right place to start :)

Answer 6

The way you subtract equation is go vertically
Pretending x is candy, y is cookie

Answer 7

so 3x -x? or x-3x?

Answer 8

Either way is working, but in case you want 3x -x, then you need to switch the order of other terms, too!

Answer 9

i'll use x-3x then..would that mean -2x=-2

Answer 10

x=1 ???

Answer 11

If you want (1) \ (2), then: x-3x = -2x, 5 -3 = 2
-> -2x = 2

Answer 12

yes of course..so x=-1???

Answer 13

ok...now how do we find y?

Answer 14

Now, you has value x = -1, plug it back to any simpler equation => y

Answer 15

-1+2y=5
-1+5=6
6/2=3=y

Answer 16

Yupe, so you have the intersection point of 2 lines I ( -1, 3) :D

Answer 17

thank you sooo much..your a life saver :)

Answer 18

makes me feel much more confident thanks

Answer 19

thank you :)

Answer 20

Feel free to ask as many more as you like :)

Answer 21

i feel a bit cheeky but could you help me with this one please...
2x-4y=6
2x+y=8.5

Answer 22

Just open the new post, I'll follow up :)

Answer 23

Anyway since you notice both equations have the same 2x
=> Subtract them!

Answer 24

so 2x-2x? then 6-8.5 which would give x=-2.5?

Answer 25

Just open the new post, I'll follow up :)