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Solving simple simultaneous equations - Teacher Slides.pptx
The lesson slides with the teacher's notes on each slide, and every question and mark scheme built in. Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.
EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Solving simple simultaneous equations
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Answer each one, then check.
1
Solve 2x + 3 = 11.
2
What is 7 − (−3)?
3
Substitute x = 2 into y = 3x − 1.
4
What is the y-intercept of y = 2x + 5?
5
Solve x − 4 = −1.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up - Answers
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
1
Solve 2x + 3 = 11.
x = 4
2
What is 7 − (−3)?
10
3
Substitute x = 2 into y = 3x − 1.
y = 5
4
What is the y-intercept of y = 2x + 5?
5
5
Solve x − 4 = −1.
x = 3
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Learning Objectives
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
1
Explain what simultaneous equations are.
2
Solve by elimination when a pair of coefficients match.
3
Solve by substitution.
4
Set up simultaneous equations from a problem and read solutions from graphs.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS
Simultaneous equations have two unknowns, and the solution is the pair of values that makes both equations true at the same time.
On a graph, the solution is where the two lines cross.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Where Two Lines Meet
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7

The crossing point is the only pair of values on both lines.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Solving by Elimination
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Make one unknown disappear.
1
Label the equations
Call them (1) and (2)
2
Match the coefficients
If they are already equal or opposite, go on; if not, multiply
3
Add or subtract
Add if the signs are opposite; subtract if they are the same
4
Solve for one unknown
You now have a one-variable equation
5
Substitute back
Find the other unknown, then check in the other equation
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Elimination by Adding
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Solve x + y = 7 and x − y = 1.
1
The y terms have opposite signs, so add
(x + y) + (x − y) = 7 + 1
2
Simplify
2x = 8, so x = 4
3
Substitute into x + y = 7
4 + y = 7, so y = 3
4
Check in x − y = 1
4 − 3 = 1
ANSWER
x = 4 and y = 3
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Elimination by Subtracting
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Solve 2x + y = 11 and x + y = 7.
1
The y terms have the same sign, so subtract
(2x + y) − (x + y) = 11 − 7
2
Simplify
x = 4
3
Substitute into x + y = 7
y = 3
4
Check
2 × 4 + 3 = 11
ANSWER
x = 4 and y = 3
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Solving by Substitution
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Solve y = 2x − 1 and x + y = 8.
1
Substitute y = 2x − 1 into the second equation
x + (2x − 1) = 8
2
Simplify
3x − 1 = 8, so 3x = 9 and x = 3
3
Find y
y = 2 × 3 − 1 = 5
ANSWER
x = 3 and y = 5
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
A Word Problem
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
2 adult tickets and 3 child tickets cost £27. 1 adult ticket and 2 child tickets cost £15. Find the cost of each ticket.
1
Let a be an adult ticket and c a child ticket
2a + 3c = 27 and a + 2c = 15
2
Rearrange the second
a = 15 − 2c
3
Substitute
2(15 − 2c) + 3c = 27, so 30 − 4c + 3c = 27
4
Solve
c = 3, so a = 15 − 6 = 9
ANSWER
An adult ticket costs £9 and a child ticket costs £3.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Elimination or Substitution?
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
ELIMINATION
• Best when the equations are both in the form ax + by = c.
• Add or subtract to remove one unknown.
• Needs matching coefficients.
SUBSTITUTION
• Best when one equation already gives y = … or x = ….
• Replace the unknown in the other equation.
• Watch brackets and signs.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Key Terms
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Simultaneous equations
Two or more equations that are true at the same time.
Unknown
A letter standing for a number to be found.
Elimination
Removing one unknown by adding or subtracting equations.
Substitution
Replacing an unknown with an expression.
Solution
The pair of values that satisfies both equations.
Coefficient
The number multiplying an unknown.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
YOUR TASK
Solve and Check
12 minutes
Solve each pair of simultaneous equations, then check your answer in both equations. (a) x + y = 10, x − y = 4 (b) 3x + y = 14, x + y = 8 (c) y = x + 2, 2x + y = 11.
1
Choose elimination or substitution.
2
Solve.
3
Check in both equations.
WHAT A GOOD ANSWER SHOWS
(a) x = 7, y = 3. (b) 2x = 6, so x = 3, y = 5. (c) 2x + x + 2 = 11, so x = 3, y = 5.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Can I...?
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Explain what simultaneous equations are.
Eliminate by adding.
Eliminate by subtracting.
Substitute one equation into the other.
Find both unknowns.
Check my solution.
Set up equations from a problem.
Read the solution from a graph.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Summary & Exam Focus
Same signs: subtract. Opposite signs: add.
Substitute back to find the second unknown.
Always check in both equations.
On a graph, the solution is the crossing point.
EXAM FOCUS
2 adult tickets and 3 child tickets cost £27. 1 adult ticket and 2 child tickets cost £15. Work out the cost of an adult ticket and the cost of a child ticket. (4 marks)
Define letters, write two equations, then solve. Check that both original equations work with your answer.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Solving Simple Simultaneous Equations
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Answer all questions. Show your working. · 30 minutes
Question 1 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Solve the simultaneous equations x + y = 7 and x − y = 1.
Question 2 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Solve the simultaneous equations 2x + y = 11 and x + y = 7.
Question 3 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Solve the simultaneous equations y = 2x − 1 and x + y = 8.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Solving Simple Simultaneous Equations (cont.)
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
Question 4 · 4 marks · Non-calculator
2 adult tickets and 3 child tickets cost £27 in total. 1 adult ticket and 2 child tickets cost £15 in total. Work out the cost of an adult…
Question 5 · 2 marks · Non-calculator
The graph shows the lines y = 2x − 3 and x + y = 6. Use the graph to solve the simultaneous equations y = 2x − 3 and x + y = 6.
Question 6 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + 2y = 16 and x − y = 2.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
“
Solve the simultaneous equations x + y = 7 and x − y = 1.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Non-calculator. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Adding or a correct elimination
M1
x = 4
A1
y = 3
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
“
Solve the simultaneous equations 2x + y = 11 and x + y = 7.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Non-calculator. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Subtracting the equations
M1
x = 4
A1
y = 3
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
“
Solve the simultaneous equations y = 2x − 1 and x + y = 8.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Non-calculator. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Substituting
M1
x = 3
A1
y = 5
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · 4 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
“
2 adult tickets and 3 child tickets cost £27 in total. 1 adult ticket and 2 child tickets cost £15 in total. Work out the cost of an adult ticket and the cost of a child ticket.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Non-calculator. Worth 4 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Forming both equations
M1
A correct elimination or substitution
M1
One value correct
A1
Both values with units
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · 2 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7

The graph shows the lines y = 2x − 3 and x + y = 6. Use the graph to solve the simultaneous equations y = 2x − 3 and x + y = 6. (2 marks)
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Reading the crossing point
M1
x = 3 and y = 3
A1
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · 3 marks · Non-calculator
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
“
Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + 2y = 16 and x − y = 2.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Non-calculator. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · mark scheme
Equations and inequalities
Lesson 5 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Substituting or multiplying to match
M1
y = 2
A1
x = 4
A1
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