top of page
Simultaneous equations are solved together to find values satisfying both. This topic solves linear pairs by elimination and substitution, and linear-with-quadratic pairs. It's examined right across GCSE and iGCSE Maths. Learn it free on eClassroom through guided worked examples and instantly-marked exam-style questions.
How you do it
Make the coefficients of one letter match, then add or subtract the equations to eliminate it. Substitute the value you find back into the simpler equation for the other letter. Alternatively rearrange one equation and substitute it into the other — which is what you must do when one is a quadratic.
Before you start
Everything here rests on solving linear equations. It reappears throughout intersections of graphs and problem solving. It appears at Foundation and Higher tier.
What you learn
Simultaneous equations are two equations with two unknowns. The solution is the pair of values that satisfies both at once — on a graph, the point where the two lines cross. and multiplying first. If no coefficients match, multiply one (or both) equations so that a variable’s coefficients line up, then eliminate as before. The course works through what the solution means, adding or subtracting? Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
Simultaneous Equations is a Algebra topic in the GCSE syllabus, covered here at Foundation tier. There are 3 teaching sections and 2 fully worked examples, plus 3 sets of check questions. Related topics students usually take next include Substitution, Algebraic Fractions and Algebraic Notation. The Algebra revision engine gives you as many extra questions as you want, tracked on your skill tree.
Still need help with a topic?
bottom of page