GuideFoot - Learn Together, Grow Smarter. Logo

In Mathematics / College | 2025-07-03

Use an Ilagram to work out the solution to these simultaneous equations:

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
y=-2 x+4 \
y=\frac{1}{2} x+1
\end{array}
[/tex]
Watch video

Asked by mathsshedhead

Answer (2)

Set the two equations equal to each other: − 2 x + 4 = 2 1 ​ x + 1 .
Solve for x : x = 5 6 ​ .
Substitute the value of x into one of the equations to solve for y : y = 5 8 ​ .
The solution to the simultaneous equations is x = 5 6 ​ , y = 5 8 ​ ​ .

Explanation

Understanding the Problem We are given two simultaneous equations:

y = − 2 x + 4
y = 2 1 ​ x + 1
We need to find the values of x and y that satisfy both equations.

Setting the Equations Equal Since both equations are solved for y , we can set them equal to each other to solve for x :

− 2 x + 4 = 2 1 ​ x + 1

Solving for x Now, let's solve for x . First, add 2 x to both sides of the equation:

4 = 2 1 ​ x + 2 x + 1
4 = 2 5 ​ x + 1
Next, subtract 1 from both sides:
3 = 2 5 ​ x
Finally, multiply both sides by 5 2 ​ to isolate x :
x = 5 2 ​ × 3
x = 5 6 ​

Solving for y Now that we have the value of x , we can substitute it into either equation to solve for y . Let's use the second equation:

y = 2 1 ​ x + 1
Substitute x = 5 6 ​ :
y = 2 1 ​ × 5 6 ​ + 1
y = 5 3 ​ + 1
y = 5 3 ​ + 5 5 ​
y = 5 8 ​

Final Answer Therefore, the solution to the simultaneous equations is x = 5 6 ​ and y = 5 8 ​ .

Examples
Simultaneous equations are used in various real-world applications, such as determining the break-even point for a business. For example, if you have a cost function and a revenue function, setting them equal to each other (solving the simultaneous equations) will give you the point where your business starts making a profit. They are also used in physics to solve problems involving multiple forces or constraints, and in computer graphics to calculate intersections and transformations.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-03

To solve the equations y = − 2 x + 4 and y = 2 1 ​ x + 1 , first set them equal to find x = 5 6 ​ . Substituting this value into one of the equations gives y = 5 8 ​ . Thus, the solution is ( 5 6 ​ , 5 8 ​ ) .
;

Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04