Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in

Two Unknowns

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following sets of values satisfies the equation x  y  4?
A. x  1, y  5
B. x  1, y  5
C. x  5, y  1
D. x  2, y  2

1. B
Substitute x  1 and y  5 into x  y  4,
L.H.S.  1  (5)
 1 + 5
4
 R.H.S.
∴ x  1, y  5 satisfy the equation x  y  4.

2. If x  2, y  3, find the value of 2x  3y.

A. 0
B. 5
C. 12
D. 13

2. B
Substitute x  2, y  3 into 2x  3y,
2(2)  3(3)  4 + 9
5

3. Which of the following ordered pairs satisfies the equations 3 x  y  1 and x + 2y  1?

3 2
A. ( , )
7 7
B. (1, 2)
7 4
C. ( , )
3 3
D. (3, 1)

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

3. A
3 2
Substitute ( , ) into 3x  y  1 ,
7 7
3 2
L.H.S.  3( ) 
7 7
9 2
 
7 7
1
 R.H.S.
3 2
∴ ( , ) satisfies the equation 3x  y  1 .
7 7
3 2
Substitute ( , ) into x  2 y  1 ,
7 7
3 2
L.H.S.   2( )
7 7
3 4
 
7 7
1
 R.H.S.
3 2
∴ ( , ) satisfies the equation x  2 y  1 .
7 7

4 x  y  30
4. Which of the following ordered pairs is the solution of  ?
 y  2x
A. (3, 6)
B. (4, 8)
C. (5, 10)
D. (6, 12)

4. C
Substitute (5, 10) into 4 x  y  30 ,
L.H.S.  4(5)  10
 30
 R.H.S.
∴ (5, 10) satisfies the equation 4 x  y  30 .
Substitute (5, 10) into y  2 x ,
L.H.S.  10
R.H.S.  2(5)
 10
∵ L.H.S.  R.H.S.
∴ (5, 10) satisfies the equation y  2 x .

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

x  y  2  0
5. Solve the simultaneous equations  graphically.
 y  3
y

3
xy20 2
1

x
3 2 1 O 1 2 3
1
2
3 y = 3

A. x  2, y  3
B. x  1, y  3
C. x  1, y  3
D. x  0, y  2

5. C
∵ The two straight lines meet at (1, 3).
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  1, y  3.

 x  3 y  15  0
6. Solve the simultaneous equations  graphically.
 x  3
y

x
3 2 1 O 1 2 3
1
2
3
4

5

x 3 x  3y  15  0

A. x  3, y  4
B. x  4, y  3
C. x  3, y  4
D. x  3, y  4

3
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

6. A
∵ The two straight lines meet at (3, 4).
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  3, y  4.

7. According to the graph, find the solution of the simultaneous equations which are represented
by L 1 and L 2 .
y

10
8
6
4
L2 2 L1

x
6 4 2 O 2 4 6
2

A. x  3, y  10
B. x  3, y  10
C. x  10, y  3
D. x  10, y  3

7. B
∵ The two straight lines meet at (3, 10).
∴ The solution is x  3, y  10.

 x  7
8. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations  .
x  3 y  5
A. x  7, y  4
B. x  7, y  4
C. x  7, y  4
D. x  4, y  7

8. C
 x  7...............(1)

 x  3 y  5.........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
7  3 y  5
3 y  12
y 4
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  7, y  4.

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

y  4
9. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations  .
2 x  3 y  30
A. x  9, y  4
B. x  4, y  9
C. x  9, y  4
D. x  4, y  9

9. A
 y  4....................(1)

2 x  3 y  30........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
2 x  3(4)  30
2 x  12  30
2 x  18
x 9
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  9, y  4.

2 x  y  7
10. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations  .
 y  3x  8
A. x  1, y  3
B. x  3, y  1
C. x  1, y  3
D. x  3, y  1

10. B
2 x  y  7...............(1)

 y  3x  8...............(2)
Substitute (2) into (1),
2 x  (3 x  8)  7
5x  8  7
5 x  15
x 3
Substitute x  3 into (2),
y  3(3)  8
1
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  3, y  1.

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

2 x  5 y  7
11. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations  .
3x  y  4
A. x  1, y  1
B. x  1, y  7
1 6
C. x  ,y
2 5
1
D. x  ,y3
3

11. A
2 x  5 y  7.................................(1)

3x  y  4...................................(2)
From (2), y  4  3x….…..….(3)
Substitute (3) into (1),
2 x  5(4  3 x)  7
2 x  20  15x  7
 13x  13
x 1
Substitute x  1 into (3),
y  4  3(1)
1
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  1, y  1.

12. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations 2x  3y + 7  5x  3y  3.

7 26
A. x  , y  
3 9
26 7
B. x  ,y
9 3
26 7
C. x   ,y
9 3
7 26
D. x  , y 
3 9

12. D
The simultaneous equations can be rewritten as:
2 x  3 y  4................................(1)

5 x  3 y  3..................................(2)
From (1),
3y  2x + 4…………...……….(3)

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute (3) into (2),

5 x  ( 2 x  4)  3
5x  2 x  4  3
3x  7
7
x
3
7
Substitute x  into (3),
3
7
3y  2( )  4
3
2( 73 )  4
y 
3
26

9
7 26
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  ,y .
3 9

2( x  y )  3x  4
13. Use the method of substitution to solve the simultaneous equations  .
3( x  y )  7 y  8
A. x  16, y  6
B. x  14, y  5
C. x  12, y  4
D. x  10, y  7

13. B
2( x  y )  3x  4................................(1)

3( x  y )  7 y  8...............................(2)
From (1),
2 x  2 y  3x  4
x  2 y  4
x  2 y  4........................(3)
From (2),
3x  3 y  7 y  8
3x  10 y  8.................................(4)
Substitute (3) into (4),
3(2 y  4)  10 y  8
6 y  12  10 y  8
4 y  20
y  5

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute y  5 into (3),

x  2(5)  4
 14
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  14, y  5.

  7 x  3 y  40
14. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
7 x  y  4
A. x  1, y  3
B. x  2, y  10
C. x  2, y  18
D. x  1, y  11

14. D
 7 x  3 y  40......................(1)

 7 x  y  4...........................(2)
(1) + (2),
(7 x  3 y )  (7 x  y )  40  4
7 x  3 y  7 x  y  44
4 y  44
y  11
Substitute y  11 into (2),
7x + 11  4
7x  7
x  1
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  1, y  11.

6 x  y  7
15. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
5 x  y  3
A. x  1, y  8
B. x  1, y  1
C. x  2, y  7
D. x  4, y  17

15. D
6 x  y  7.................................(1)

5 x  y  3.................................(2)

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(1)  (2),
(6x  y)  (5x  y)  7  3
6x  y  5x + y  4
x 4
Substitute x  4 into (1),
6(4)  y  7
y  17
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  4, y  17.

3x  5 y  1
16. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
x  4 y  5
A. x  3, y  2
B. x  13, y  2
2
C. x  1, y  
5
D. x  2, y  1

16. A
3x  5 y  1.................................(1)

 x  4 y  5.................................(2)
(2)  3,
3x + 12y  15 …………..…..(3)
(3)  (1),
(3x + 12y)  (3x + 5y)  15  1
3x + 12y  3x  5y  14
7y  14
y 2
Substitute y  2 into (2),
x + 4(2)  5
x  3
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  3, y  2.

2 x  3 y  5
17. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
11  2 x  5 y
A. x  2, y  3
B. x  2, y  4
C. x  1, y  3
D. x  1, y  4

9
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

17. A
2 x  3 y  5..........................(1)

11  2 x  5 y........................(2)
From (2),
2x + 5y  11……………...(3)
(3)  (1),
(2 x  5 y )  (2 x  3 y )  11  5
2y  6
y 3
Substitute y  3 into (1),
2 x  3(3)  5
2 x  4
x  2
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  2, y  3.

1 2 1
 2 x  3 y   3
18. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
 3 y  17  1 x
 4 12 3
A. x  1, y  2
B. x  1, y  1
C. x  2, y  1
D. x  2, y  1

18. C
1 2 1
 x  y   ............................(1)
2 3 3

3
 y 17 1
 x.............................(2)

4 12 3
(1)  2,
4 2
x y   ……..……………(3)
3 3
(2)  3,
9 17
y x
4 4
9 17
x  y   ...........................(4)
4 4

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(3)  (4),
4 9 2 17
( x  y )  ( x  y )    ( )
3 4 3 4
4 9 2 17
y y 
3 4 3 4
43 43
y
12 12
y 1
Substitute y  1 into (4),
9 17
x  (1)  
4 4
x  2
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  2, y  1.

3 1 1
 4 ( x  y )  3 y   4
19. Use the method of elimination to solve the simultaneous equations  .
 1 ( x  y )  2 x   23
 2 3 6
A. x  2, y  3
B. x  2, y  3
C. x  2, y  3
D. x  2, y  3

19. B
3 1 1
 ( x  y )  y   ....................(1)
4 3 4

 1 ( x  y )  2 x   23 ..................(2)

2 3 6
From (1),
3 3 1 1
x y y
4 4 3 4
3 5 1
x y   ......................(3)
4 12 4
12
(3)  ,
5
9 3
x  y   …….…….….……(4)
5 5
From (2),
1 1 2 23
x y x
2 2 3 6
7 1 23
x  y   ....................(5)
6 2 6

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(5)  2,
7 23
x y ………...….….…(6)
3 3
(4) + (6),
9 7 3 23
( x  y )  ( x  y )    ( )
5 3 5 3
9 7 3 23
x x 
5 3 5 3
62 124
x
15 15
x  2
Substitute x  2 into (4),
9 3
(2)  y  
5 5
y  3
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  2, y  3.

20. Which of the following simultaneous equations have no solution?

 y  2x  3
A. 
 y  5x  3
 y  4x  5
B. 
 y  4x  7
2 y  3 x  1
C. 
2 y  4 x  1
3 y  2 x  7
D. 
 y  2x  7

20. B
 y  4 x  5..................(1)

 y  4 x  7.................(2)
(1)  (2),
y  y  (4x  5)  (4x  7)
02
∵ 02
 y  4x  5
∴  have no solution.
 y  4x  7

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 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

3x  3 y  9
21. How many solutions do the simultaneous equations  have?
x  y  3
A. Unlimited
B. One
C. Two
D. 0

21. A
3x  3y  9
3(x  y)  3(3)
xy3
∵ The two equations are identical, their graphs overlap each other.
∴ The simultaneous equations have infinitely many solutions.

22. If 3y  x and 4x  3y  9, find the value of x + y.

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

22. D
3 y  x....................(1)

 4 x  3 y  9...........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
4(3 y )  3 y  9
9y  9
y 1
Substitute y  1 into (1),
x  3(1)
3
∴ x+y 3+1
4

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

23. If 2x  y and x + 4y  3, find the value of xy.

1
A.
9
2
B.
9
4
C.
9
2
D.
3

23. B
2 x  y..................(1)

 x  4 y  3...........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
x  4( 2 x )  3
9x  3
1
x
3
1
Substitute x  into (1),
3
1
2( )  y
3
2
y
3
1 2
∴ xy  
3 3
2

9

24. If x : y  2 : 1 and x + 4y  3, find the values of x and y.

1
A. x  ,y1
2
1
B. x  1, y 
2
C. x  2, y  1
D. x  4, y  2

14
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

24. B
x : y  2 :1
x 2

y 1
x  2y
 x  2 y................(1)
∴ 
 x  4 y  3.........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
2y  4y  3
6y  3
1
y
2
1
Substitute y  into (1),
2
1
x  2( )
2
1
1
∴ x  1, y 
2

25. If the ordered pairs (4, 0) and (2, 1) satisfy the equation mx  ny  4, find the values of m
and n.
A. m  1, n  6
B. m  1, n  2
C. m  1, n  2
D. m  1, n  6

25. A
Substitute (4, 0) into the equation,
m(4)  n(0)  4
4m  4
m  1 …..……..(1)
Substitute (2, 1) into the equation,
m(2)  n(1)  4
2m  n  4 ...….…..(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
2(1)  n  4
n  6
∴ m  1, n  6

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Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

26. Solve the simultaneous equations 4y  3x  3y + 4x  11  6.

A. x  2, y  0
B. x  2, y  3
68 37
C. x  ,y
7 2
68 31
D. x  ,y
7 2

26. B
The simultaneous equations can be rewritten as:
4 y  3x  6................(1)

3 y  4 x  17..............(2)
(1)  3,
12 y  9 x  18...............(3)
(2)  4,
12 y  16x  68............(4)
(3)  (4),
(12 y  9 x)  (12 y  16x)  18  68
 25x  50
x2
Substitute x  2 into (1),
4 y  3(2)  6
4 y  12
y 3
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  2, y  3.

7( y  x)  2( x  3)  12
27. Solve the simultaneous equations  .
5 x  y  6
2
A. x  ,y4
5
2
B. x  , y  4
5
C. x  2, y  4
D. x  2, y  4

27. C
7( y  x)  2( x  3)  12..........(1)

 5 x  y  6..............................(2)

16
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

From (1),
7 y  7 x  2 x  6  12
 5 x  7 y  18................(3)
(2) + (3),
(5 x  y )  (5 x  7 y )  6  18
6 y  24
y4
Substitute y  4 into (2),
5x  4  6
5 x  10
x2
∴ The solution of the simultaneous equations is x  2, y  4.

28. If x is 2 times of y and the sum of y and 5 times of x is 80, which of the following
simultaneous equations is correct?
5 x  y  80
A. 
2 x  y
5 x  y  80
B. 
x  2 y
 x  5 y  80
C. 
2 x  y
 x  5 y  80
D. 
x  2 y

28. B
x is 2 times of y, so
x  2y…………(1)
The sum of y and 5 times of x is 80, so
y + 5x  80 …..(2)
x  2 y
∴ 
5 x  y  80

29. If the sum of two numbers is 54 and their difference is 20, find the two numbers.
A. 17 and 37
B. 14 and 40
C. 24 and 30
D. 34 and 20

17
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

29. A
Let x be the larger number and y be the smaller number.
Thus,
 x  y  54....................(1)

 x  y  20...................(2)
(1) + (2),
( x  y )  ( x  y )  54  20
2 x  74
x  37
Substitute x  37 into (1),
37  y  54
y  17
∴ The two numbers are 17 and 37.

30. Mr. Chan is 4 times as old as his son. If the differen ce of their ages is 39, find their
respective ages.
A. Mr. Chan: 44 years old; his son: 11 years old
B. Mr. Chan: 56 years old; his son: 14 years old
C. Mr. Chan: 52 years old; his son: 13 years old
D. Mr. Chan: 48 years old; his son: 12 years old

30. C
Let x and y be the ages of Mr. Chan and his son respectively.
Thus,
 x  4 y.......................(1)

 x  y  39................(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
4 y  y  39
3 y  39
y  13
Substitute y 13 into (1),
x  4(13)
 52
∴ Mr. Chan is 52 years old and his son is 13 years old .

18
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

31. Mrs. Lee buys 4 loaves of bread and 2 pieces of cake for $28. Mrs. Chan buys 2 loaves of
bread and 5 pieces of cake for $22. Find the price of a loaf of bread and that of a piece of
cake.
A. Bread: $2; cake: $6
B. Bread: $3; cake: $5
C. Bread: $5; cake: $3
D. Bread: $6; cake: $2

31. D
Let $x and $y be the prices of a loaf of bread and a piece of cake respectively.
Thus,
4 x  2 y  28.....................(1)

2 x  5 y  22....................(2)
(2)  2,
4x + 10y  44…...….….(3)
(3)  (1),
(4 x  10 y )  (4 x  2 y )  44  28
8 y  16
y2
Substitute y  2 into (2),
2 x  5(2)  22
2 x  12
x6
∴ The prices of a loaf of bread and a piece of cake are $6 and $2 respectively.

32. A hotel can serve 300 people for dinner buffet. The pr ice for an adult is $200 and that for a
child is $130. If the hotel was full and it received $51 600 yesterday, find the respective
numbers of adults and children.
A. Adult: 120; children: 180
B. Adult: 140; children: 160
C. Adult: 160; children: 140
D. Adult: 180; children: 120

32. D
Let x and y be the numbers of adults and children respectively.
Thus,
 x  y  300............................(1)

 200x  130y  51 600..........(2)

19
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

From (1),
x  300  y ………………..(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
200(300  y )  130y  51 600
60 000  200y  130y  51 600
70 y  8 400
y  120
Substitute y  120 into (3),
x  300  120
 180
∴ The numbers of adults and children are 180 and 120 respectively.

33. The sum of the digits in a two-digit number is 12. If the digits are interchanged, the value of
the number increases by 54. Find the original number.
A. 39
B. 48
C. 84
D. 93

33. A
Let x and y be the tens digit and the units digit respectively.
The value of the original number is 10x  y .
After the digits are interchanged, the value of the new number becomes 10 y  x .
 x  y  12.................................(1)

(10 y  x)  (10x  y )  54.......(2)
From (2),
9 y  9 x  54
y  x  6.................................(3)
(1) + (3),
( x  y )  ( y  x)  12  6
2 y  18
y 9
Substitute y  9 into (1),
x  9  12
x3
∴ The original number is 39.

20
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

34. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. Find the length of DC.

x3
A B

2x  1 y1

D C
2y  1

A. 5
B. 6
C. 8
D. 9

34. A
It is known that AB  DC and AD  BC.
 x  3  2 y  1....................(1)

2 x  1  y  1....................(2)
From (1),
x  2 y  2 ………..…….(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
2(2 y  2)  1  y  1
4y  4  1  y  1
3y  6
y2
∴ DC  2y + 1
 2(2) + 1
5

Level 1
1. (a) Complete the following tables.
(i) y  x + 1
x 0 3 5

y 4

(ii) y  5  x

x 0 3 5

y 0

21
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

y  x 1
(b) Using the result of (a) and the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations 
y  5  x
graphically.
y

x
O 1 2 3 4 5 6

1. (a) (i)
x 0 3 5

y 1 4 6

(ii)

x 0 3 5

y 5 2 0

22
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(b)
y

yx+1

x
O 1 2 3 4 5 6
y = 5 x

The two straight lines meet at (2, 3), therefore the solution of the simultaneous
equations is x  2, y  3 .

2. (a) Complete the following tables.

(i) x + 2y  3
x 1 3 5

(ii) 3x + y  1

x 0 1 2

y 5

23
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(b) Using the result of (a) and the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations
 x  2 y  3
 graphically.
3 x  y  1
y

x
O 1 2 3 4 5 6

1

2

3

4

5

2. (a) (i)
x 1 3 5

y 2 3 4

(ii)

x 0 1 2

y 1 2 5

24
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(b)
y

x
O 1 2 3 4 5 6

1

2

3

4

x + 2y = 3
5

3x + y = 1

The two straight lines meet at (1, 2), therefore the solution of the simultaneous
equations is x  1, y  2 .

y  x 1
3. Using the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations  .
 y  2 x  7
y

x
2 1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

2

3

4

25
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

3.
y

8
y=x+1
7

x
2 1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

2

3

4 y = 2x + 7

The two straight lines meet at (2, 3), therefore the solution of the simultaneous equations is
x  2, y  3 .

 y  2x  6
4. Using the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations  .
y  6  x
y

x
2 1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
1

2

3

4

5

6

26
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

4.
y

5 y = 2x  6

x
2 1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
1
y = 6 x
2

3

4

5

6

The two straight lines meet at (4, 2), therefore the solution of the simultaneous equations is
x  4, y  2 .

2 x  y  7
5. Using the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations  .
 x  4y  7
y

x
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 O 1 2
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

27
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

5.
y

x
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 O 1 2
1

2

3

4
x  4y = 7
5

6

2x  y = 7 7

The two straight lines meet at (5, 3), therefore the solution of the simultaneous
equations is x  5, y  3 .

6. Using the method of substitution to solve the following simultaneous equations.

x  y 1  y  x 1
(a)  (b) 
x  y  7 4 x  7 y  4

 x  y  1...............(1)
6. (a) 
 x  y  7...............(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
( y  1)  y  7
2y  6
y 3
Substitute y  3 into (1),
x3+1
4
∴ The solution is x  4, y  3 .
 y  x  1 ...............(1)
(b) 
4 x  7 y  4...........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
4 x  7( x  1)  4
4x  7x  7  4
11x  11
x 1

28
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute x  1 into (1),

y11
0
∴ The solution is x  1, y  0 .

7. Using the method of substitution to solve the following simultaneous equations.

 x  3y  y  4x  7
(a)  (b) 
2 y  3x  28 4 x  y  7

x  3 y ..................(1)
7. (a) 
2 y  3x  28........(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
2 y  3(3 y )  28
2 y  9 y  28
7 y  28
y  4
Substitute y  4 into (1),
x  3(4)
 12
∴ The solution is x  12, y  4 .

 y  4 x  7..............(1)
(b) 
4 x  y  7..............(2)
Substitute (1) into (2),
4 x  ( 4 x  7)  7
8x  0
x0
Substitute x  0 into (1),
y  4(0) + 7
7
∴ The solution is x  0, y  7 .

8. Using the method of substitution to solve the following simultaneous equations.

x  y  2 3x  y  1
(a)  (b) 
3x  y  14  x  3 y  11

x  y  2 ..............................................(1)
8. (a) 
3x  y  1............................................ (2)
From (1), x  2  y
y  x  2 …………...(3)

29
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute (3) into (2),

3x  ( x  2)  14
4 x  16
x4
Substitute x  4 into (3),
y42
2
∴ The solution is x  4, y  2 .
3x  y  1 ......................................(1)
(b) 
 x  3 y  11...................................(2)
From (1), y  1  3x ……….….(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
x  3(1  3 x)  11
x  3  9 x  11
 8 x  8
x 1
Substitute x  1 into (3),
y  1  3(1)
 4
∴ The solution is x  1, y  4 .

9. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simultaneous equations.

x  2 y  8 3x  y  8
(a)  (b) 
x  y  6 2 x  y  7

 x  2 y  8..................(1)
9. (a) 
 x  y  6...................(2)
(1)  (2),
( x  2 y)  ( x  y)  8  6
x  2y  x  y  2
y2
Substitute y  2 into (2),
x+26
x4
∴ The solution is x  4, y  2 .
3x  y  8.................(1)
(b) 
2 x  y  7 ................(2)

30
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(1)  (2),
(3x  y )  (2 x  y )  8  7
3x  y  2 x  y  1
x 1
Substitute x  1 into (2),
2(1) + y  7
y 5
∴ The solution is x  1, y  5 .

10. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simultaneous equations.
 x  3 y  11   6x  4y  21
(a)  (b) 
2 x  3 y  10  6 x  8 y  15

 x  3 y  11 ..............................(1)
10. (a) 
2 x  3 y  10............................(2)
(1) + (2),
( x  3 y )  (2 x  3 y )  11  10
3x  21
x7
Substitute x  7 into (1),
7 + 3y  11
3y  4
4
y
3
4
∴ The solution is x  7, y  .
3
  6x  4y  21.................(1)
(b) 
6 x  8 y  15 ...................(2)
(1) + (2),
(6 x  4 y )  (6 x  8 y )  21  15
12 y  36
y 3
Substitute y  3 into (2),
6x + 8(3)  15
6x  15  24
9
x
6
3

2
3
∴ The solution is x   , y  3 .
2

31
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

11. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simultaneous equations.
x  2 y  6 3x  5 y  10
(a)  (b) 
2 x  3 y  5  2x  y  9

 x  2 y  6 ....................(1)
11. (a) 
2 x  3 y  5...................(2)
(1)  2,
2x  4y  12….……...(3)
(2)  (3),
(2 x  3 y )  (2 x  4 y )  5  12
2 x  3 y  2 x  4 y  7
7 y  7
y  1
Substitute y  1 into (1),
x  2(1)  6
x4
∴ The solution is x  4, y  1 .

3x  5 y  10.................(1)
(b) 
2 x  y  9 ...................(2)
(2)  5,
10x + 5y  45….…....(3)
(3)  (1),
(10x  5 y )  (3x  5 y )  45  10
10x  5 y  3x  5 y  35
7 x  35
x5
Substitute x  5 into (2),
2(5) + y  9
y  1
∴ The solution is x  5, y  1 .

12. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simultaneous equations.
2 x  5 y  21 4 x  2 y  8
(a)  (b) 
 3x  y  6  x  3 y  9

2 x  5 y  21...............(1)
12. (a) 
3x  y  6 .................(2)
(2)  5,
15x + 5y  30.……...(3)

32
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(1) + (3),
(2 x  5 y )  (15x  5 y )  21  30
17x  51
x3
Substitute x  3 into (2),
3(3) + y  6
y  3
∴ The solution is x  3, y  3 .

4 x  2 y  8 ...............(1)
(b) 
 x  3 y  9 .............(2)
(2)  4,
4x + 12y  36.......(3)
(1) + (3),
(4 x  2 y )  (4 x  12 y )  8  (36)
14 y  28
y  2
Substitute y  2 into (1),
4x + 2(2)  8
4x  4  8
4x  12
x3
∴ The solution is x  3, y  2 .

2 x  3 y  15
13. Solve the simultaneous equations  .
2 x  3 y  9

2 x  3 y  15.....................(1)
13. 
 2 x  3 y  9 .....................(2)
(1) + (2),
(2 x  3 y )  (2 x  3 y )  15  9
4 x  24
x6
Substitute x  6 into (1),
2(6) + 3y  15
3y  15  12
3y  3
y1
∴ The solution is x  6, y  1 .

33
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

14. The sum of two numbers is 50 and their difference is 18. Find the two numbers.

14. Let x be the larger number and y be the smaller number.

Thus,
 x  y  50.....................(1)

 x  y  18.....................(2)
(1) + (2),
( x  y )  ( x  y )  50  18
2 x  68
x  34
Substitute x  34 into (1),
34 + y  50
y  50  34
 16
∴ The two numbers are 34 and16.

Level 2
x  y  2
15. Using the graph below, solve the simultaneous equations  . (Correct your answer
2 x  y  2
to 1 decimal place.)
y

0.5

x
0.5 O 0.5 1 1.5 2

0.5

1

1.5

2

34
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

15.
y

0.5

x
0.5 O 0.5 1 1.5 2

0.5

1

1.5

2

xy=2 2x  y = 2

The two straight lines meet at (1.3, 0.7), therefore the solution of the simultaneous
equations is x  1.3, y  0.7 (corr. to 1 d.p.).

16. Using the method of substitution to solve the following simultaneous equations.
2 x  y  9  x  3 y  1
(a)  (b) 
5 x  2 y  9 2 y  9 x  38

2 x  y  9 ............................(1)
16. (a) 
5 x  2 y  9..........................(2)
From (1), y  9  2x ….....(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
5 x  2(9  2 x)  9
5 x  18  4 x  9
9 x  27
x3
Substitute x  3 into (3),
y  9  2(3)
3
∴ The solution is x  3, y  3 .

x  3 y  1 ........................(1)
(b) 
2 y  9 x  38......................(2)
From (1), x  1  3y…..(3)

35
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute (3) into (2),

2 y  9(1  3 y )  38
2 y  9  27 y  38
29 y  29
y 1
Substitute y  1 into (3),
x  1  3(1)
 4
∴ The solution is x  4, y  1 .

17. Using the method of substitution to solve the following simultaneous equations.
3x  2 y  3 2 x  3 y  20
(a)  (b) 
 5 x  3 y  14 5 x  2 y  17

3x  2 y  3......................(1)
17. (a) 
5 x  3 y  14......................(2)
From (1), 3x  2y  3
2y  3
x  ....(3)
3
Substitute (3) into (2),
2y  3
5( )  3 y  14
3
10 y  15 9 y
  14
3 3
19 y  15  42
19 y  57
y 3
Substitute y  3 into (3),
2(3)  3
x
3
1
∴ The solution is x  1, y  3 .

 2 x  3 y  20......................(1)
(b) 
5 x  2 y  17......................(2)
From (1), 2x  3y  20
3 y  20
x  .....(3)
2

36
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Substitute (3) into (2),

3 y  20
5( )  2 y  17
2
15 y  100 4 y
  17
2 2
11y  100  34
11y  66
y6
Substitute y  6 into (3),
3(6)  20
x
2
 1
∴ The solution is x  1, y  6 .

18. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simultaneous equations.
2 x  5 y  3 3x  10 y  84
(a)  (b) 
4 x  7 y  3 8 x  2 y  39

 2 x  5 y  3.......................(1)
18. (a) 
4 x  7 y  3.......................(2)
(1)  2,
4x + 10y  6.………......(3)
(3)  (2),
(4 x  10 y )  (4 x  7 y )  6  3
3y  3
y 1
Substitute y  1 into (1),
2x +5(1)  3
2x  2
x  1
∴ The solution is x  1, y  1 .
3x  10 y  84.....................(1)
(b) 
8 x  2 y  39......................(2)
(2)  5,
40x  10y  195.…….....(3)
(3)  (1),
(40x  10 y )  (3x  10 y )  195  84
40x  10 y  3x  10 y  111
37x  111
x3
Substitute x  3 into (2),

37
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

8(3)  2y  39
2y  15
15
y
2
15
∴ The solution is x  3, y   .
2

19. Using the method of elimination to solve the following simult aneous equations.
5 x  2 y  3  3x  5 y  30
(a)  (b) 
2 x  3 y  24 4 x  7 y  1

5 x  2 y  3 ...................(1)
19. (a) 
2 x  3 y  24..................(2)
(1)  3,
15x + 6y  9.………....(3)
(2)  2,
4x  6y  48.………....(4)
(3) + (4),
(15x  6 y )  (4 x  6 y )  9  (48)
19x  57
x  3
Substitute x  3 into (1),
5(3) + 2y  3
2y  12
y 6
∴ The solution is x  3, y  6 .
3x  5 y  30 ....................(1)
(b) 
4 x  7 y  1....................(2)
(1)  4,
12x  20y  120….…....(3)
(2)  3,
12x + 21y  3…...…....(4)
(4)  (3),
(12x  21y )  (12x  20 y )  3  120
41y  123
y  3
Substitute y  3 into (2),
4x + 7(3)  1
4x  21  1
4x  20
x 5
∴ The solution is x  5, y  3 .

38
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

20. Solve the following simultaneous equations.

3x  2 y  5 3x  2 y  7
(a)  (b) 
3 y  x  11  5 x  6 y  15

 3x  2 y  5..........................(1)
20. (a) 
3 y  x  11..........................(2)
From (2), x  11  3y …...(3)
Substitute (3) into (1),
3(11  3 y )  2 y  5
 33  9 y  2 y  5
7 y  28
y  4
Substitute y  4 into (3),
x  11  3(4)
1
∴ The solution is x  1, y  4 .

3x  2 y  7....................(1)
(b) 
5 x  6 y  15....................(2)
(1)  3,
9x  6y  21.…….......(3)
(3)  (2),
(9 x  6 y )  (5 x  6 y )  21  15
4 x  36
x  9
Substitute x  9 into (1),
3(9)  2y  7
27  2y  7
2y  20
y  10
∴ The solution is x  9, y  10 .

21. Solve the following simultaneous equations.

10x  7 y  13  0  8x  6 y  1  0
(a)  (b) 
5 x  2 y  10  0 6 x  7 y  3  0

10x  7 y  13  0....................(1)
21. (a) 
5 x  2 y  10  0 .....................(2)
(2)  2,
10x + 4y + 20  0.…….......(3)
(3)  (1),

39
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(10x  4 y  20)  (10x  7 y  13)  0

10x  4 y  20  10x  7 y  13  0
11y  33  0
11y  33
y  3
Substitute y  3 into (2),
5x + 2(3) + 10  0
5x + 4  0
4
x
5
4
∴ The solution is x   , y  3 .
5
 8 x  6 y  1  0................(1)
(b) 
6 x  7 y  3  0................(2)
(1)  3,
24x  18y  3  0.…….(3)
(2)  4,
24x  28y + 12  0.…..(4)
(4)  (3),
(24x  28 y  12)  (24x  18 y  3)  0
24x  28 y  12  24x  18 y  3  0
 10 y  15  0
 15
y
 10
3

2
3
Substitute y  into (1),
2
3
8x  6( )  1  0
2
8x  9  1  0
8x  10
5
x
4
5 3
∴ The solution is x  , y  .
4 2

22. Find the solutions of the following simultaneous equations.

25a  12b  135  0 15m  12n  1.5
(a)  (b) 
 11a  15b  108  7n  4m  11  0

40
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

25a  12b  135  0...............(1)

22. (a) 
11a  15b  108 .................(2)
(1)  5,
125a  60b + 675  0........(3)
(2)  4,
44a  60b  432…..........(4)
(3)  (4),
(125a  60b  675)  (44a  60b)  0  (432)
125a  60b  675  44a  60b  432
81a  243
a  3
Substitute a  3 into (2),
11(3)  15b  108
15b  108 + 33
15b  75
b5
∴ The solution is a  3, b  5 .
15m  12n  1.5.......................(1)
(b) 
7n  4m  11  0........................(2)
(1)  4,
60m  48n  6 ………….….(3)
(2)  15,
105n  60m + 165  0
105n  60m  165 …..(4)
(3) + (4),
(60m  48n)  (105n  60m)  6  (165)
57n  171
n  3
Substitute n  3 into (2),
7(3)  4m + 11  0
21  4m + 11  0
4m  10
5
m 
2
5
∴ The solution is m   , n  3 .
2

23. Nicholas is 5 years older than Edison now. 10 years ago, Nicholas’s age is 6 times of that of
Edison. Find the present ages of Nicholas and Edison.

41
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

23. Let x be Nicholas’s present age and y be Edison’s present age.

Thus,
 x  y  5...............................(1)

 x  10  ( y  10)  6..............(2)
From (2), x  10  6y  60
x  6y  50 ….(3)
(1)  (3),
( x  y )  ( x  6 y )  5  (50)
5 y  55
y  11
Substitute y  11 into (1),
x  11  5
x  16
∴ Nicholasis 16 yearsold and Edison is 11 yearsold.

24. The total price of 4 pens and 6 rubbers is $38, and the total price of 4 pens and 5 rubbers is
$35. Find the price of a pen and that of a rubber.

23. Let $x be the price of a pen and $y be the price of a rubber.

Thus,
 4 x  6 y  38..........................(1)

4 x  5 y  35..........................(2)
(1)  (2),
(4 x  6 y )  (4 x  5 y )  38  35
y 3
Substitute y  3 into (1),
4x + 6(3)  38
4x  20
x5
∴ The price of a pen is $5 and theprice of a rubber is $3.

25. Mr. Wong has some $20-note and $100-note with a total amount of $920. If he has 14 pieces
of notes, find the number of $20-note and that of $100-note.

24. Let x be the number of $20-note and y be the number of $100-note.

Thus,
 x  y  14............................(1)

20x  100y  920................(2)
From (1), x  14  y …….(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),

42
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

20(14  y )  100y  920

280  20 y  100y  920
80 y  640
y 8
Substitute y  8 into (3),
x  14  8
6
∴ Mr. Wonghas 6 $20 - noteand 8 $100 - note.

26. The sum of the two digits in a two-digit number is 12. If the two digits are interchanged, the
value of the number decreases by 36. Find the original number.

25. Let x and y be the tens digit and the units digit respectively.
The value of the original number is 10x + y.
 x  y  12................................................(1)

(10x  y )  (10 y  x)  36......................(2)
From (2), 10x + y  10y  x  36
9x  9y  36
x  y  4 ……(3)
(1) + (3),
( x  y )  ( x  y )  12  4
2 x  16
x 8
Substitute x  8 into (1),
8 + y  12
y4
∴ Theoriginal number is 84.

2( x  1)  3( y  1)  0
27. Solve the simultaneous equations  .
7( x  2)  5( y  3)

2( x  1)  3( y  1)  0................................(1)
27. 
 7( x  2)  5( y  3) .................................. (2)
From (1), 2x + 2  3y + 3  0
2x  3y  5 …......(3)
From (2), 7x  14  5y  15
7x  5y  1 ………….......(4)
(3)  5,
10x  15y  25 ……………..…….....(5)

43
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

(4)  3,
21x  15y  3 ………………………...(6)
(6)  (5),
(21x  15 y )  (10x  15 y )  3  (25)
11x  22
x2
Substitute x  2 into (3),
2(2)  3y  5
3y  9
y3
∴ The solution is x  2, y  3 .

4 x  6 y  41
28. (a) Solve the simultaneous equations  .
 x  4 y  19
 4  6  41

(b) Hence, or otherwise, solve the simultaneous equations  a b .
 1  4  19
a b

4 x  6 y  41.......................(1)
28. (a) 
 x  4 y  19........................ (2)
From (2), x  19  4y …..(3)
Substitute (3) into (1),
4(19  4 y )  6 y  41
76  16 y  6 y  41
 10 y  35
7
y
2
7
Substitute y  into (3),
2
7
x  19  4( )
2
5
7
∴ The solution is x  5, y  .
2
 4  6  41
1 1  4 x  6 y  41
(b) Let x  and y  , then  a b can be written as  .
a b  1  4  19  x  4 y  19
a b
7
From (a), x  5, y 
2

44
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

1
∴ 5
a
1
a ,
5
1 7

b 2
2
b
7
1 2
∴ The solution is a  , b  .
5 7

Level 3
29. Uncle Luk has x lots of Stock A and y lots of Stock B. A lot of Stock A consists of 1 000
shares and each share is currently $71. A lot of Stock B consists of 400 shares and each share
is currently $85.
(a) If he has a total of 70 lots of shares, find an equation connecting x and y.
(b) Given that the total value of his shares is $3 120 000.
(i) Find another equation connecting x and y.
(ii) How many shares of Stock A and Stock B does he have?
(c) Three days later, the prices of each share of Stock A has increased by 10% whilst Stock B
has decreased by 20%. Uncle Luk then sell s m lots of Stock A and buys n lots of
Stock B. Finally, he has a total of 58 lots of shares and $4 800 cash on hand, how many
shares of Stock A and Stock B does he have?

29. (a) x + y  70
(b) (i) 1 000x(71)  400y(85)  3 120 000
71 000x  34 000y  3 120 000
∴ 71x  34 y  3 120

(b) (ii) From (a), x + y  70 …………..…...(1)

From (b)(i), 71x + 34y  3 120 …....(2)
From (1), y  70  x ….……...……..(3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
71x  34(70  x)  3 120
71x  2 380  34x  3 120
37 x  740
x  20
Substitute x  20 into (1),
20 + y  70
y  50
∴ Uncle Luk has 20 lots of Stock A and 50 lots of Stock B.

45
Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

The number of shares of Stock A  20  1 000

 20 000
The number of shares of Stock B  50  400
 20 000
(c) The new price of each share of Stock B  $85  (1  20%)
 $68
m  $71  10%  1 000  n  $68  400  $4 800
7 100m  27 200n  4 800
71m  272n  48 ....(4)
(20  m) + (50 + n)  58
n  m  12
n  m  12 ……………….…...(5)
Substitute (5) into (4),
71m  272(m  12)  48
71m  272m  3 264  48
 201m  3 216
m  16
Substitute m  16 into (5),
n  16  12
4
∴ The number of shares of Stock A
 (20  16)  1 000
 4 000
The number of shares of Stock B
 (50 + 4)  400
 21 600

30. Let x, y, z be 3 unknowns and they satisfy the simultaneous equations

 x  2 y  2 z  2....................(1)

3x  2 y  z  5....................(2) .
2 x  5 y  3z  4................(3)

(a) By considering (1) and (2) and using the method of elimination, find an equation
connecting y and z.
(b) By considering (1) and (3) and using the method of elimination, find an equation
connecting y and z.
(c) Using the results of (a) and (b), find the values of y and z. Hence find the value of x.

46
 Chapter 7 Simultaneous Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

30. (a) x + 2y + 2z  2 …..………...(1)

3x  2y  z  5 …..………...(2)
(1)  3,
3x + 6y + 6z  6 ….………..(4)
(4)  (2),
(3x  6 y  6 z)  (3x  2 y  z)  6  5
∴ 8y  7z  1

(b) (1)  2,
2x + 4y + 4z  4 …………..(5)
(5)  (3),
(2 x  4 y  4 z)  (2 x  5 y  3z)  4  (4)
∴ 9y  z  8

(c) From (a), 8y + 7z  1 …......(6)

From (b), z  8  9y ….......(7)
Substitute (7) into (6),
8 y  7(8  9 y )  1
8 y  56  63y  1
55 y  55
y 1
Substitute y  1 into (7),
z  8  9(1)
 1
Substitute y  1, z  1 into (1),
x + 2(1) + 2(1)  2
x 2
∴ The solution is x  2, y  1, z  1 .

47