Solving Linear

Simultaneous Equations
Using Graphical Methods
Lauren Richards
www.drfrost.org
@DrFrostMaths

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with

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Generate a Start an
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involving skills in skills in this
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drfrost.org/w/87 drfrost.org/p/87
7 7

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drfrost.org/s/123a
subskill to allow you further Test Your Understanding opportunities. (e.g.
drfrost.org/s/123a)
Skills in this Lesson
275 Solving linear simultaneous equations/systems of equations
using graphical methods
275a Solve linear simultaneous equations/systems of equations using an
existing plot of each line.
275b Solve linear simultaneous equations/systems of equations by first plotting
each line.

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charity in England and Wales (no
Teacher Notes
Prerequisite Representations
Knowledge Used Future Links
• Coordinates • Coordinate axes • Solving linear
• Recognise, sketch and simultaneous
produce graphs of equations/systems of
linear and quadratic equations using
functions of one elimination or
variable with substitution
appropriate scaling, • Solving non-linear
using equations in simultaneous
and and the Cartesian equations/systems of
plane (KS3) equations by
substitution
• Simultaneous
equations/systems of
equations involving 3
variables

Key: Key Points Solution step – All slides include

click to reveal pedagogical detail in the
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Though many slides in this resource will have titles specific to the topic, the slide titles in the
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some green click-to-reveal
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 Show

Prerequisite Knowledge Check all

solutio
ns

1 Match the equations with the lines 2 Find the four

below: coordinates of
𝑦 =𝑥+ 1 𝑦 =3 𝑥=−3 intersection on the
1
𝑦= 𝑥−3 coordinate axes.
𝑦 =2 𝑥 −7 3 a (𝟐,?𝟑) b (−𝟑? ,𝟑)
𝑦 c (𝟑,−𝟒)
? d (−𝟑?,−𝟐)
𝑥=−3
? 𝑦 =𝑥+
? 1

b 3 Fill in the gaps to show the

𝑦 =3
? pairs of solutions for each
equation.
a a b 2 𝑎 − 𝑏= 7

18 6 5 3
𝑂
𝑥
13 1
? 10
? 13
d ? ?
c ? ?

𝑦 =2?𝑥 −7 1
𝑦 = ?𝑥 − 3
3
Recap: Equations with Multiple Variables
An equation is a mathematical statement that shows
that two expressions are equal, through use of the
equality sign
We can
represent
equations using
𝑥𝑦 16
a balance
diagram.
𝑥+ 𝑦 =16
As decreases,
? As increases,
?
must increase
? must decrease
?

𝑥 𝑦 16 𝑥𝑦 16
The Big Idea: Systems of Equations
Systems of equations are two or more algebraic equations that share
common variables, such as and .
We sometimes call them simultaneous equations. Here are some
examples:

We call them simultaneous equations because we can solve them

simultaneously, i.e. at the same time.
What do you notice about the
systems of equations and the
number of unique variables?

The number of unique variables in system of equations must match

or be fewer than the number of equations for them to be solved
simultaneously.
Recap: Systems of Equations
Each of these equations when solved on their own could have infinite
possible solutions.
Let’s look at these equations in particular:

𝑥 −1= 𝑦 2 𝑥+3 𝑦=12

Here are just

1 0 3 2
some of the

3 2 6
possible pairs of
solutions for
? these equations ?
? Can you fill in the ?
gaps to find other
? pairs of solutions ?
for each equation?
Recap: Systems of Equations
Each of these equations when solved on their own could have infinite
possible solutions.
Let’s look at these equations in particular:

𝑥 −1= 𝑦 2 𝑥+3 𝑦=12

Here are just

1 0 3 2
some of the

3 2 6
possible pairs of
solutions for
these equations

However, when solved simultaneously, we may find a set of solutions

which are true for both equations.
The solutions to this system of equations are: and
 Show

Test Your Understanding all

solutio
ns

Using the pairs of 𝑥+ 3 𝑦 =12 2 𝑥+1=3 𝑦 2 𝑥+5 𝑦=3

solutions for each

0 12 1 1 1 1
equation, find pairs of
equations that when
solved simultaneously 0.25 3
give integer solutions.
Imani has
completed an
example.
When solved
simultaneously,
and 𝑥 − 𝑦=4 2 𝑥+3 𝑦=1 7 𝑥+22=− 2 𝑦
have the solution and
2 3
as both values satisfy

4 5 0
both equations

Imani
 Test Your Understanding Solutions
Using the pairs of 𝑥+ 3 𝑦 =12 2 𝑥+1=3 𝑦 2 𝑥+5 𝑦=3
solutions for each

0 12 1 1 1 1
equation, find pairs of
equations that when
solved simultaneously 0.25 3
give integer solutions.

{ 𝒙+ 𝟑 𝒚 =𝟏𝟐
𝒙 − 𝒚 =𝟒
has
solutions

{
𝟐 𝒙+𝟑 𝒚 =𝟏
𝟐 𝒙+𝟓 𝒚 =𝟑
has
solutions
𝑥 − 𝑦=4 2 𝑥+3 𝑦=1 7 𝑥+22=− 2 𝑦

2 3
4 5 0
{𝟐 𝒙 +𝟑 𝒚 =𝟏 has
𝟕 𝒙+𝟐𝟐=− 𝟐 𝒚 solutions

{
𝟐 𝒙+𝟏=𝟑 𝒚
𝒙 − 𝒚 =𝟒
has
solutions
Systems of Equations

Not all solutions to 𝑥+ 3 𝑦 =12 2 𝑥+1=3 𝑦 2 𝑥+5 𝑦=3

systems of equations

0 12 1 1 1 1
need to be integers!

0.25 3

Mrs Clark
𝑥 − 𝑦=4 2 𝑥+3 𝑦=1 7 𝑥+22=− 2 𝑦

2 3
Solving and
4 5 0
simultaneously give
valid non integer
solutions of and for that
system of equations.
The Big Idea: Systems of Equations
Graphically
As determined previously, the solutions to this
system of equations are:
and

We can consider each equation as a function which can be displayed

graphically.
𝑦
What do you notice
about the point of
𝒙 − 𝟏=𝒚 intersection of the two
lines?
The point of intersection is
(3 ,2)
𝒚 =𝟐
! The point of intersection
𝟐 𝒙+𝟑 𝒚 =𝟏𝟐 is the solution to the

𝑂
𝑥 system of equations.

When we solve simultaneously, we are finding the intersection

point of two or more functions.
Looking Back…
In the questions in the prerequisite check, by finding the points of
intersection, we were actually finding solutions to a system of equations!

1 Match the equations with the lines 2 Find the four

below: 𝑦 coordinates of
𝑥=−3 𝑦 =𝑥+ 1 intersection.
a (𝟐, 𝟑) b (−𝟑 ,𝟑)

b c (𝟑,−𝟒) d (−𝟑 ,−𝟐)

𝑦 =3
a
𝑦 =2 𝑥 −7
𝑦= 3{
𝑦 = 𝑥+1 has
solutions

𝑂
𝑥 𝑥=−3
𝑦= 3 { has
solutions

{
1
𝑦= 𝑥−3 has
d 3
solutions
c 𝑦 =2 𝑥 − 7

{
𝑥=− 3
1 𝑦= 𝑥 +1 has solutions
𝑦= 𝑥−3
3 1
𝑦= 𝑥−3
3
Example Test Your
Understanding
The diagram shows the graphs The diagram shows the graphs
of and . of and .
𝑦 𝑦

The lines
Intersection
intersect
The lines
intersect at ?
Point
at

𝑥 𝑂 𝑥
𝑂
Use the graphs to find the Use the graphs to find the

{ {
𝑦 = 4 𝑥 −3
solutions of the simultaneous 𝑦 =−2
solutions to the system of 𝑥+ 3
equations 3 equations 𝑦 =𝑥+ 6
𝑦= 𝑥 +2
2
and ?
Solutions
and
Exam Question drfrost.org/ 275a
s/

[Edexcel GCSE(9-1) Nov 2020 3H

Q6a]

and
?

Use these graphs to solve the

simultaneous equations
Quickfire Questions drfrost.org/ 275a
s/

Use the graphs to Use the graphs to Use the graphs to

find the solutions of find the solutions to find the solutions of
the simultaneous the system of the simultaneous
equations
{ 𝑦=2 𝑥 +1
𝑦 + 3 𝑥=6 equations
{ 𝑦 −3=𝑥
𝑦 =2 𝑥 + 4 equations
{𝑦 + 6 𝑥 =1
𝑦 =𝑥 − 6

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

𝑂 𝑥

𝑂 𝑂 𝑥

?
and ?
and ?
and
Who Do You Agree With?
Basma and Abdi disagree over the solutions to the simultaneous equation
question below:

Use the graphs to find the

solutions of the

equations {
simultaneous 𝑦 −2 𝑥=1
𝑦=𝑥 +5
Who do you
agree with? You’ve read the
coordinates
𝑦 wrong, Basma!
They intersect
at so the
The solutions to
solutions are:
the
and
simultaneous
equations are:
and

Abdi

𝑂
𝑥
Basma
Who Do You Agree With?
Use the graphs to find the
solutions of the How could Abdi You’ve read the

equations {
simultaneous 𝑦 −2 𝑥=1
𝑦=𝑥 +5
prove to Basma
that he is
correct?
coordinates
wrong, Basma!
They intersect
at so the
Abdi can substitute
solutions are:
both his & values
into each equation and

𝑦 − 2 𝑥=1
What would 9 − 2(4 )=1
happen if I
substituted my
solutions in?
𝑦 = 𝑥+ 5
9= 4+5
Abdi
As both equations hold,
these solutions are
correct!

Basma
Who Do You Agree With?
Use the graphs to find the
solutions of the If your solutions are incorrect, the left-

equations {
simultaneous 𝑦 −2 𝑥=1
𝑦=𝑥 +5
hand side will not equal the right-hand
side in both of the simultaneous
equations

𝑦 − 2 𝑥=1
8.5 − 2(4)=1
0.5 ≠ 1
What would
happen if I 𝑦 =𝑥 + 5
substituted my 8.5=4+ 5
solutions in? 8.5 ≠ 9 Abdi
I said the solutions
are
and
Ah, I see now! Thank
you for your help, Abdi!
Basma
Exam Question drfrost.org/ 275a
s/

[Edexcel GCSE June 2023 1H Q9, 1F

Q28]

and
?

{
Use these graphs to solve the
simultaneous equations:
2 −2 𝑦 =𝑥
2 𝑦 =3 𝑥 − 22
What’s The Same? What’s Different?
Abdi has correctly 𝑦
completed a similar
question. What is the same, and what
Use the graphs to find
is different about this
the solutions to the
question compared to
system of equations,
previous ones?
giving your answer to

{
one decimal place:
𝑦 + 𝑥= 4
1
𝑦= 𝑥
4

Both solutions
The lines intersect at are non-integer
so the solutions are ,

Abdi 𝑂 𝑥
Test Your Understanding
𝑦
Use the graphs to find
the solutions to the
system of equations,
giving your answer to

{
one decimal1 place:
𝑦+ 𝑥= 3
2
𝑦= 2 𝑥 − 1

and
?

𝑂 𝑥
Solving Simultaneous Equations in Context
Two different companies are 𝑦
planting trees in areas of the
The lines
Amazon rainforest that have
intersect
been affected by at
deforestation.

On any day, the cost to

either company, , of planting
trees is given by the
following formulas:
Company𝒚 =𝟏A:.𝟓 𝒙 +𝟒𝟎𝟎

𝒚 =𝟎.𝟓
Company B: 𝒙 +𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎
This question is asking us to
At what number of trees
solve the equations
planted, , is the cost to simultaneously to find when
both companies, , the the costs are the same
same?
𝑂
𝑥
when trees
We should include units
as this question is in
Recap: Plotting Straight Line Graphs
Using the table of values, Using the table of values,
plot the straight line with plot the straight line with
equation equation

(−𝟏 ,−𝟑)(𝟎 , −𝟏) (𝟏 , 𝟏) (𝟐 , 𝟑) (−𝟏 ,𝟓) (𝟎 , 𝟒) (𝟏 , 𝟑) (𝟐 , 𝟐)

𝑦 𝑦
Each and × The points
× value join to form
forms a
× a straight
coordinate × line
× pair
×
𝑂 𝑥
×
𝑂 𝑥
×
The Big Idea: Systems of Equations
Graphically
In some cases, we may need to sketch one, or both, of the lines to be able
to solve a set of simultaneous equations.

The straight line has been drawn

on the coordinate axes. 𝑦
a On the same axes, draw the line
×
using the table of values.

The lines
intersect
1357 × at

b Use the graphs to solve the

simultaneous equations ×
{ 𝑦 =5 − 𝑥
𝑦 =2 𝑥 −1 𝑂
𝑥
and
 Show

Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 275b

s/
all
solutio
ns

The straight line has 𝑦

been drawn on the
coordinate axes.

a On the same axes,

draw the line using
the table of values. The lines
intersect
at

? ? ? ? ? 𝑂 𝑥
? Plot

b Use the graphs to

solve the
simultaneous
equations
{ 𝑦=𝑥 +2
𝑦 =3 𝑥 −2

?
and
What’s the Same? What’s Different?
The straight line has been drawn on the coordinate axes.

a On the same axes, draw What is different

The line we are
about this
the line using the table of required to draw is
question
values. not in the form
compared to the
previous
We need to first rearrange
examples?into the
form to complete the table of values
𝑦 =− 𝑥 − 1 𝑦
Now we are able to complete
the rest of the question as
before
43210 ×
×
b Use the graphs to solve the

{
simultaneous equations
1 ×
𝑦=2 − 𝑥
2 ×
𝑦 − 𝑥 +1= 0
×𝑂 𝑥
and
 Show

Test Your Understanding drfrost.org/ 275b

s/
all
solutio
ns

By first drawing the graphs ofand , solve

the simultaneous equations.
𝑦

{ 𝑦 =2 𝑥+ 3
𝑦 + 3 𝑥=8

𝑦 =2 𝑥+ 3 ? Plot
? ? ? ?

𝑦 + 3 𝑥=8
𝑦 =8 − 3 𝑥
? Rearrangement

𝑦 + 3 𝑥=8 ? Plot 𝑂 𝑥
? ? ? ?

and
? Solutions
Deeper Thinking
Basma has completed two questions by first plotting the lines.

By first drawing the graphs What do By first drawing the graphs

of and , solve the you of and , solve the
simultaneous equations. notice simultaneous equations.

{ {
𝑦=3 about 𝑥=2
the
𝑦 =2 𝑥 +1 equation 𝑦 + 𝑥= 3
𝑦 s and
Here, was one of 𝑦
their
the equations,
solutionsand
one of?the
solutions!
And similarly
here, was one
of the
equations and
one of the
𝑂 𝑥 solutions! 𝑂 𝑥
and and
Basma
Deeper Thinking
𝑦 𝑦 =2 𝑥+1 𝑦

𝑦 + 𝑥 =3
𝑦 =3

𝑂 𝑥 𝑂 𝑥
and and

This happens because we And similarly in this case, the

know that every single intersection of the line with any
coordinate on the line is , so other line, must happen at an -
the intersection with any line coordinate of , therefore this
must happen at a - must be one of the solutions to a
coordinate of . system of equations involving .
Deeper Thinking
Just by looking at these
simultaneous
You have all mentioned

{ 𝑦 =3 𝑥 −2
equations, what can
great points!
you tell me about
What Abdi has said is
them? 𝑦=3 𝑥 +1
really interesting – as
they are parallel, what
does that mean for the
two lines?
There are two
One crosses the - equations and two
axis at , and the variables so we can
other at . find two solutions,
and .
They have the
Dr Frost same gradient
Hannah
When plotted, both so they are
are straight lines parallel.
with positive Nathan
gradients. Abdi
Imani
Deeper Thinking
What Abdi has said is 𝑦
really interesting – as
they are parallel, what
does that mean for the
two lines?
𝒚 =𝟑 𝒙 +𝟏
Great! So, what does
that mean for the
solutions to the
simultaneous
equations?
They never intersect,
so there are no
solutions to the
𝑂 𝑥
simultaneous
Dr Frost equations! 𝒚 =𝟑 𝒙 −𝟐
The two lines
will never
ever meet!

Abdi
Imani Hannah Nathan
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

1 Using the lines shown, find the solutions to the pairs of simultaneous
equations listed.

a { 𝑦 = 𝑥+1
𝑥=−1
and
?
𝑦 =2 −
1
3
𝑥
𝑦1
𝑥 =− 𝑦 =𝑥+ 1

{
𝑦= 3 𝑦 =3
and
b 1 ?
𝑦 =2 − 𝑥
3

𝑂
𝑥

{
𝑦=𝑥 +1
c 1 and
𝑦 =− 𝑥 −3 ?
3

{
1
𝑦=2− 𝑥 No
3 1
d ?
solution 𝑦 =− 𝑥 −3
1 3
𝑦 =− 𝑥 −3 s These lines are parallel and
3 will therefore never
intersect
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

2 Looking at the graphs of

the equations from
question 1, Basma says
𝑥 𝑦1
=− 𝑦 =𝑥+ 1
that there are no solutions 1
when solving this pair of 𝑦 =2 − 𝑥
3

{
simultaneous equations:
𝑦 =3
1 𝑦 =3
𝑦 =− 𝑥 −3
3

Do you agree with Basma? 𝑂

𝑥
Give reasons for your
answer.
Basma is incorrect.
Although the lines do
not meet in the range
given on the coordinate
?
axes, the lines are not 𝑦 =−
1
𝑥 −3
parallel, so will 3
eventually intersect and
Basma therefore the
simultaneous equations
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

3 [Edexcel GCSE March2012-3H Q13b Edited]

The graph of the straight line and are shown on the grid below.

Use the graphs to find

estimates for the solution
of

{
𝑥+2 𝑦= 8
𝑥
𝑦= −1
2

?
and
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

4 [Eduqas GCSE Autumn 2018

Higher Paper 1 Q7a]
Use the diagram to solve the
simultaneous equations

{ 𝑦 − 𝑥=3
𝑥+2 𝑦=1
Give your answers correct to 1
decimal place.

and
?

? Mark Scheme
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

5 Two different delivery companies

are transporting packages to a 𝑦
remote town. The cost, dollars,
for delivering packages is given
by the following formulas:
Company A:
𝒚 =𝟐 𝒙 +𝟑𝟎𝟎
Company B:
𝒚 =𝟎 .𝟖 𝒙 +𝟔𝟎𝟎
Using the graphs of the cost
against packages delivered,

packages delivered, 𝑥, is the cost

determine at what number of
𝑥
for both companies, 𝑦, the same,
𝑂
and what is the cost at that point?

Packages ?with Cost

 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

6 The straight line has 𝑦

been drawn on the
coordinate axes.

a On the same axes,

draw the line using
the table of values.

? ? ? ? ?
𝑂 𝑥
? Plot

b Use the graphs to

solve the
simultaneous
equations
{ 𝑦 =2 𝑥 +2
𝑦 + 𝑥=− 4

?
and
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

7 The straight line 𝑦

has been drawn on the
coordinate axes.

a On the same axes,

draw the line using
the table of values.

? ? ? ? ? 𝑂 𝑥
? Plot

b Use the graphs to

solve the

{
simultaneous
6 𝑥+ 2 𝑦 −4 =0
equations
𝑦 +3=2 𝑥

?
and
 Show
(Available as a separate
Exercise worksheet)
all
solutio
ns

1
N By first drawing the 𝑦 𝑦= 𝑥+ 3
graphs ofand , solve 2
the simultaneous
equations

{ 𝑦 −5=2 𝑥
𝑥 −2 𝑦 + 6=0

𝑂 𝑥
?

and

𝑦 =2 𝑥+5