Solving Simultaneous Equations
Ever wondered how to find two mystery numbers when you only have clues about their relationships? Simultaneous equations let you crack these puzzles by working with two equations at the same time.
The key trick is elimination - you manipulate the equations to cancel out one variable, then solve for the other. In the first example, subtracting the second equation from the first eliminates the 3y terms, leaving you with 7x = 21, so x = 7. Pop this back into either original equation to find y = 2.
Real-world problems make this technique incredibly useful. When David and Ellie buy different combinations of scones and coffees for different totals, you can set up equations like 2s + 2c = £18 and 3s + 2c = £22. Using elimination (multiplying the first equation by 3 and subtracting), you'll discover that scones cost £4 and coffees cost £5.
Pro tip: Always check your answers by substituting back into both original equations - if they work, you've nailed it!