Simultaneous Equations are Equations with the Same Unknowns and are Solved Together (Simultaneously). Whether you’re Solving Objective Questions in Jamb and Post UTME or Essay Questions in Waec and BECE, You must come across Simultaneous Equations.
Understanding the ways Questions come under Simultaneous Equations will give you more marks. Solving thousands of Junior Waec, Waec SSCE, Jamb, Scholarship Exams and Post UTME Mathematics Questions for all Schools in Nigeria, I encountered 7 Types of Simultaneous Equation Questions. I’m here to share with you.
The Top 7 Types of Simultaneous Equation Questions you would come across in any major examination are:
- Basic Linear Simultaneous Equation Questions
- One Linear and One Quadratic Simultaneous Equations
- Solving Simultaneous Equations and Using the Values
- Simultaneous Equation Questions involving Indices
- Simultaneous Equation Questions Involving Logarithm
- Forming Simultaneous Equations from Word Problems
- Simultaneous Equation Questions Involving Fractional Values of X and Y.
You may be wondering, how do I get these questions solved? The top 7 Types of Simultaneous Equations Questions are all Solved in the Video Below. Watch and don’t fail to let me know how you fee.
Basic Linear Simultaneous Equation Questions
This is a simultaneous equation in its basic and standard form. You can solve these kind of questions using substitution or elimination method. You can even solve them graphically.
Example: Find solution to the equation x + 2y = 5 and x – 2y = 9.
One Linear and One Quadratic Simultaneous Equations
In this type of simultaneous equation, you will be given a question involving one linear and one with power of two (quadratic). These type of simultaneous equation questions eventually lead to quadratic equation and you get two values for X and two values for Y in the end.
Example: Solve the equation x + y = 10 and x² + y² = 58
To solve them, simply use substitution method. Make X or Y subject formulas in the linear equation and substitute in the quadratic equation. Solve the resulting quadratic equation and substitute the values into the quadratic equation as explained in the video above.
Solving Simultaneous Equations And Using the Values
In this type of questions, you will be given basic linear equations. But what is expected of you is not just the value of X and Y. You will be asked to use the values to get something else. Some times to find X ÷ Y, Sometimes XY, Sometimes X + Y, Sometimes X – Y. Just solve the equation and do what you are asked to do.
Example: Given x – y = -3 and y – 2x = 5, solve for 3y + 2x.
Simultaneous Equation Questions Involving Indices
This type of simultaneous equation questions require the knowledge of Indices. A skill of getting exponents from numbers will help you out here.
Example: Solve the equation 2x+y = 32 and 33y-x = 27
Simultaneous Equation Questions Involving Logarithm
This type of simultaneous equation questions require the knowledge of Logarithm and the relationship between Indices and Logarithm.
Example: Solve the simultaneous equation Logx 27 + Logy 4 = 5 and Logx 27 – Logy 4 = 1
Forming Simultaneous Equations From Word Problems
In this type of simultaneous equations, you will be given words and required to convert them into simultaneous equation and solve using either substitution or elimination method.
Recommended: 7 years ago, the age of a father was 3 times that of the Son. But in 6 years time, the age of the son will be half that of the father. Find the age of the son and that of the father.
Simultaneous Equation Questions Involving Fractional Values of X and Y.
In this type of questions, you will be given the inverse of X and Y. Don’t solve with the fractions; simply equate them to a letter of the alphabet and solve the equations normal. After arriving at answers, reciprocal of the answers will give you values of X and Y respectively. Refer to the video above for full guide.
Example: Solve the equation 2/x – 3/y = 2 and 4/2 + 3/y = 10.
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