Foundation & Higher

Simultaneous equations GCSE questions

Two equations, two unknowns. Elimination or substitution. Always find both letters and check in the other equation.

Line them up

Write x under x and y under y before you add or subtract.

Practice questions

Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.

Question 1 [2 marks]

x + y = 8, x − y = 2. Solve.

Question 2 [2 marks]

2x + y = 9, x + y = 5. Solve.

Question 3 [3 marks]

3x + 2y = 16, x − 2y = 0. Solve.

Common mistakes

Answers and working

Q1. x = 5, y = 3
Q2. x = 4, y = 1
Q3. x = 4, y = 2

Frequently asked questions

Is this Higher only?

Simple integer pairs appear on Foundation. Harder coefficients are Higher.

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