Year 10 - Maths
Solving simultaneous equations by elimination from a context
Simultaneous equations: 2 variables
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn to solve a pair of simultaneous equations from different starting points and cases using a variety of strategies.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to solve two linear simultaneous equations given in context using elimination.
Key Notes
- It is possible to find a solution that satisfies a problem with two unknowns by trial and error.
- It is possible to use the difference between the two scenarios to create a third valid scenario.
- Once you know one of the unknowns, you can substitute to find the other.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Simultaneous equations: Equations which represent different relationships between the same variables are called simultaneous equations.
- Elimination: Elimination is a technique to help solve equations simultaneously and is where one of the variables in a problem is removed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Subtracting the variables one way round but the constants the other way.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
It is possible to find a solution that satisfies a problem with two unknowns by trial and error. It is possible to use the difference between the two scenarios to create a third valid scenario.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Simultaneous equations'
Equations which represent different relationships between the same variables are called simultaneous equations. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Subtracting the variables one way round but the constants the other way. Correction: Pupils could rewrite their equations so the one they are subtracting is underneath in a column method. For this lesson, the answers are in context so pupils should spot when negative answers do not make sense.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Checking and securing understanding of interpreting graphs Study Guide
- Combining equations Study Guide
- Forming simultaneous equations Study Guide
- Problem solving with linear and quadratic simultaneous equations Study Guide
- Problem solving with simultaneous equations Study Guide
- Solving a quadratic and linear pair of simultaneous equations graphically Study Guide
- Solving a quadratic and linear pair of simultaneous equations using elimination Study Guide
- Solving a quadratic and linear pair of simultaneous equations using substitution Study Guide
- Solving algebraic simultaneous equations by elimination Study Guide
- Solving more complex simultaneous equations by elimination Study Guide
- Solving simultaneous equations via any method Study Guide
- Solving simultaneous linear equations by substitution Study Guide
- Solving simultaneous linear equations graphically Study Guide
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