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IGCSE/GCSE Mathematics - Equations and Inequalities

Solving simultaneous equations

August 25, 2021

When it comes to IGCSE/GCSE Maths, do you remember how to eliminate co-efficient?

Co-efficient Elimination

  1. Look to see which (x or y) has the same coefficient. If they do not have the same co-efficient, multiply/divide the equation accordingly to get the same.
  2. Eliminate x or y by - or + everything in the 2 equations.
  3. Solve to find one value.
  4. Substitute x or y into the equation to find the other value.

Substitution

  1. Re-arrange formula to create a formula for the value (y or x) that has the same co-efficient.
  2. Substitute this new formula into the equation, replacing y/x.
  3. Solve to find the other value.
  4. Substitute into the original equation to find 1st value.

Inequalities

  • E.g. x² - 49
  1. Move to one side
  2. Factorise
  3. Locate B and S (Biggest and Smallest)
  4. As > 0 ⟶ x > B, x < S
  • x² - 49 > 0
    (x + 7)(x - 7) > 0
    B = 7, S = -7
    x > 7, x < -7

< 0 ⟶ S < x < B (1 equation)
> 0 ⟶ x > B, x < S (2 separate answers)

  • When you multiply by a negative number, you must flip the inequality.
  • E.g. 3 < 9 x-3
    = -9 > -27

Plotting Inequalities

  • Use cover up method to plot line.
  • When using cover up, x and y must be on the same side of the equation.
  • One must be replaced with 0 to create a new equation and co-ordinates of (0,y) and (x,0).
  • Use random co-ordinates to work out the area to shade, by applying them into the inequality.
  • E.g. (2,2) into y ≤ 2x +1
    (2,2) — 2 ≤ 4 + 1

That's the end of the topic!

Drafted by Bonnie (Mathematics)