Intermediate · 12 min
Solving two equations
Find values that satisfy two linear equations at the same time.
Eliminate one variable
Add or subtract equations to remove one variable when its coefficients match or are opposites. Then solve for the remaining variable.
Worked example
x + y = 9 and x − y = 3 → 2x = 12 → x = 6, y = 3
Substitute and check
If one equation gives a variable in terms of the other, substitute that expression into the second equation. Check both original equations.
Worked example
y = 2x and x + y = 12 → 3x = 12 → x = 4, y = 8
Compare ticket prices
- Two adult tickets and one child ticket cost 26. One adult ticket and one child ticket cost 16.
- Write two equations and find the price of each ticket.