Worked example 7: Simultaneous equations
QUESTION
Solve the following system of equations:
4 y+ 3x= 100 : : :(1)
4 y 19 x= 12 : : :(2)
SOLUTION
Step 1: Use either equation to expressxin terms ofy
4 y+ 3x= 100
3 x= 100 4 y
x=
100 4 y
3
Step 2: Substitutexinto equation(2)and solve fory
4 y 19
(
100 4 y
3
)
= 12
12 y 19 (100 4 y) = 36
12 y 1900 + 76y= 36
88 y= 1936
)y= 22
Step 3: Substituteyback into equation(1)and solve forx
x=
100 4 (22)
3
=
100 88
3
=
12
3
)x= 4
Step 4: Check the solution by substituting the answers back into both original equations
Step 5: Write the final answer
x= 4
y= 22
Chapter 4. Equations and inequalities 83