Simultaneous Equations

Definition

Simultaneous equations are a set of two or more equations that contain multiple variables and must be solved together to find the values of those variables. They are a fundamental concept in algebra and are used to solve a variety of problems, including those involving systems of equations, applications, and mixture applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Simultaneous equations must be solved together to find the values of the shared variables, as the equations are interdependent.
2. The substitution method and the elimination method are two common techniques used to solve systems of simultaneous equations.
3. Solving applications and mixture problems often requires the use of simultaneous equations to find the unknown quantities.
4. The number of equations in a system of simultaneous equations must be equal to the number of variables to be solved for.
5. Simultaneous equations can be linear, quadratic, or a combination of different types of equations.

Review Questions

• Explain the process of solving a system of simultaneous equations using the substitution method.
  • To solve a system of simultaneous equations using the substitution method, you first isolate one variable in one of the equations. You then substitute that expression into the other equation(s) to solve for the remaining variable(s). Once you have the value of one variable, you can substitute it back into one of the original equations to solve for the other variable(s). This method allows you to solve for all the unknowns in the system of equations.
• Describe how the elimination method can be used to solve a system of simultaneous equations.
  • The elimination method for solving systems of simultaneous equations involves adding or subtracting the equations to eliminate one of the variables. This is done by ensuring that the coefficients of the variable to be eliminated are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. By adding or subtracting the equations, the variable is eliminated, allowing you to solve for the remaining variable(s). Once you have the value of one variable, you can substitute it back into one of the original equations to solve for the other variable(s).
• Analyze how the use of simultaneous equations can help solve complex application and mixture problems.
  • Simultaneous equations are essential for solving application and mixture problems because they allow you to set up a system of equations that represent the relationships between the unknown quantities in the problem. By solving the system of equations, you can determine the values of the unknown variables, which may represent quantities such as the amounts of different substances in a mixture or the number of items of different types. The ability to set up and solve simultaneous equations is a powerful tool for solving complex real-world problems that involve multiple interdependent variables.

Related terms

System of Equations: A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that share the same variables and must be solved together to find the values of those variables.

Substitution Method: The substitution method is a technique for solving systems of equations by isolating one variable in one equation and then substituting that expression into the other equation.

Elimination Method: The elimination method is a technique for solving systems of equations by adding or subtracting the equations to eliminate one of the variables, allowing the other variable to be solved for.