7 Linear Equations in Two Unknowns

Applications of Simultaneous Linear

Equations in Two Unknowns
Name: _________________________ Class: _______ ( )

Key Points

We can set up simultaneous equations in two unknowns to solve daily-life problems:

Step 1: Identify the two unknowns in the problem and represent them using letters.

Step 2: Set up a linear equation for each given condition in the problem.

Step 3: Solve the simultaneous linear equations.

Step 4: Write down the solution for the problem.

For each of the following situations, set up a pair of simultaneous equations to show the relation
between x and y. (1 – 2)

1. y is greater than x by 13, and the sum of x and half of y is 11.

Solution

2. In S2B, there are 38 students. 3 times the number of boys is 9 more than the number of girls.
Let x and y be the numbers of boys and girls in the class respectively.
Solution

3. There are two numbers. The difference is 8. When the larger number doubles, it will be equal
to 3 times the smaller number. Find the two numbers.
Solution
Let x be the larger number and y be the smaller number.

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4. There are 34 volunteers participating in a charity event. The number of female volunteers is
5 less than 2 times the number of male volunteers. Find the numbers of female volunteers and
male volunteers.
Solution

5. The figure shows a rectangle. 3 times its width is longer than its
length by 5 cm. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 22 cm, find the width
length and the width of the rectangle.
Solution length

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6. Nicolas spends $34 to buy 3 oranges and 2 lemons. If 4 lemons cost $4 more than 2 oranges,
find the price of an orange and the price of a lemon.
Solution

7. The total cost of 3 burgers and 2 French fries is $50, whereas that of 2 burgers and 5 French
fries is $59. Find the total cost of 5 burgers and 3 French fries.
Solution

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