Basic Math Section 1: Algebra

SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

PRACTICE EXERCISES
I. Solve the unknowns by using substitution and elimination method.
1. 7𝑝 + 11 + 2𝑞 = 0
−1 = 3𝑞 − 5𝑝
𝑎
2. − 7 = −2𝑏
2
2
12 = 5𝑎 + 𝑏
3
𝑥 2𝑦 49
3. + = 15
5 3
3𝑥 𝑦 5
−2+7=0
7

4. 1.5𝑥 − 2.2𝑦 = −18

2.4𝑥 + 0.6𝑦 = 33
5. 3𝑏 − 2.5𝑎 = 0.45
1.6𝑎 + 0.85𝑏 = 0.8
II. Solve the following practical problems by using substitution and elimination
method to solve for the values of the unknowns.
1. In a system of pulleys, the effort P required to raise a load W is given by 𝑷 = 𝒂𝑾 + 𝒃,
where a and b are constants. If 𝑊 = 40 when 𝑃 = 12 and 𝑊 = 90 when 𝑃 = 22, find the
values of a and b.
2. Velocity v is given by the formula 𝒗 = 𝒖 + 𝒂𝒕. If 𝑣 = 20 when 𝑡 = 2 and 𝑣 = 40 when
𝑡 = 7, find the values of u and a. Hence, find the velocity when 𝑡 = 3.5.
3. 𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒄 is the equation of a straight line of slope m and y-axis intercept c. If the line
passes through the point where 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 2, and also, through the point where 𝑥 = 5
1
and 𝑦 = , find the slope and y-axis intercept of the straight line.
2
Basic Math Section 1: Algebra

Answer Key
Part I
1. 𝑝 = −1, 𝑞 = −2
2. 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 3
3. 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 4
4. 𝑥 = 10, 𝑦 = 15
5. 𝑎 = 0.30, 𝑏 = 0.40
Part II
1. 𝑎 = 0.2, 𝑏 = 4
2. 𝑢 = 12, 𝑎 = 4, 𝑣 = 26
3. 𝑚 = −0.5, 𝑐 = 3