NAVAL BASE SECONDARY SCHOOL

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Sec 2G3 Mathematics
Chapter 1: Linear Graphs and Simultaneous Linear Equations
Notes

Name: ________________________________ ( ) Class: _________ Date: ___________

1.1 Equations of straight lines (Recap of Sec 1 topic)

Objectives: At the end of the lessons, students should be able to

• determine the equation of a vertical and horizontal line
• draw a linear line by plotting the points on the Cartesian plane

Prerequisites
A) Cartesian Coordinate System

The Cartesian Coordinate system describes the position and lines in a Cartesian Plane.
(a) Plot the points A(2.8, 1.8), B(1.2, 1),and C(−0.4, 1.8) on the Cartesian plane given below.
(b) What type of triangle is ABC?
(c) Plot the point D if the lengths of BA, BC, DA and DC are all equal.
(d) Write down the coordinates of point D.

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In secondary 1, you have learnt that the equation of a straight line is in the form

y = mx + c
where m is __________________, c is ____________________, both m and c are constant.

Example 1 (Recap)
Draw the graph of y = 3x + 1 for the values of x from −1 to 1.
Use a scale of 2 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 1cm to 1 unit on the y-axis.
STEPS INVOLVED IN DRAWING A
GRAPH:

(a) Draw and complete the table of values

for x and y. Choose values of x from −1
to 1. There should be at least 3 values
for both x and y.

y −2 1 4

(b) Draw and label the x-axis and y-axis.

Remember to indicate the point of
origin ‘O’ where both axes intersect.

(c) Mark the axes according to the scale(s)

given.
(i) Refer to the question for the range
of x-values to include.
(ii) Refer to your table of values for
the range of y-values to include.

(d) Plot the points (with crosses) on the Cartesian plane.

(e) Join the points together using a ruler to form a straight-line graph.
Ensure that the line passes through all the plotted points.

(f) Label the graph with its equation.

Steps to draw linear functions

Remember this!
Table of values (substitute x values into equation to find y values) – concept of a function
Axes (draw horizontal x-axis and vertical y-axis. Indicate origin also where both axes
intersect)
Scale (follow the scale given in the question)
Plot points (mark the point with ‘×’) – recall coordinate system
Equation (Label the graph) – use ruler to join the points
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 Success criteria for drawing a linear function ✓
Did I Self-
Assessment
1. complete the table of values by substituting x values into the function to
find the corresponding y values?
2. use the scale given by the question to plot the graph?
3. label both x and y axes, as well as the origin, using a pencil?

4. plot all the points correctly using ‘×’, in pencil?

5. use a pencil and ruler to join all the points to form a straight-line graph?
6. label the equation of the line?

A. Equation of horizontal lines

Since the gradient m of a horizontal line is 0, (y = mx + c)

the equation of a horizontal line is

Practice 1a

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B. Equation of vertical lines

Since the gradient m of a vertical line is undefined, we cannot write the equation of a vertical line
in the form y = mx + c.
Instead, as the x-coordinates of all the points on a vertical line are equal to
the same constant value a,
the equation of a vertical line is

Practice 1b

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1.2 Graphs of linear equations in the form ax + by = k
Objectives: At the end of the lesson, students should be able to
• recognise linear functions in the form of ax + by = c and draw their graphs.

Prerequisites
A) Solving linear equations
Solve the following equations.
(a) 3 y + 5 = 17 (b) 13 + 3 y = 4

(c) 1 − 2 y = 11 (d) 9− y =5

Example 2
The following table is for the straight line 2x + y = 3. Complete the table.
x −1 0 2

y −2 1 4

Using a scale of 2 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to 1 unit on the y-axis, draw the graph of
2x + y = 3 for −1  x  2.

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Practice 2
The following table is for the straight line x – 2y = 2. Complete the table.

x −2 0 4
y −2 1 4

Using a scale of 1 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 2 cm to 1 unit on the y-axis, draw the graph of
x – 2y = 2 for −2  x  4.

Complete WS 1 by ______

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1.3 Solving simultaneous linear equations using graphical method

Objectives: At the end of the lessons, students should be able to

• investigate and learn when the simultaneous equations have (i) one pair of solutions, (ii) no
solutions or (iii) infinitely many solutions.
• solve simultaneous linear equations in two variables using the graphical method

STEPS INVOLVED IN DRAWING A STRAIGHT LINE GRAPH:

1. Construct a table of values with minimum 3 pairs of x and y values.
2. Choose an appropriate scale or follow the scale given.
3. Use ‘’ to plot the points.
4. Join the points using a ruler to form a straight line.
5. Label the graph with its equation.

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Example 3
Solve the simultaneous equations y = 4 − 2 x and y = 3x − 1 using graphical method.
STEP 1: Construct the table of values with minimum 3 pairs of x and y values.
Complete the table of values.
y = 3− x y = 3x − 1

x −2 1 4 x 0 1 2

y y

STEP 2: Choose an appropriate scale.

2 cm represents 1 unit on the x-axis.
1 cm represents 1 unit on the y-axis.

STEP 3: Use ‘’ to plot the points.

STEP 4: Join the points using a ruler to form a straight line.
STEP 5: Label the graph with its equation.

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Observations:
(a) Do the two lines intersect? YES / NO (Circle your answer)
If YES,
1. how many points of intersection are there?
2. State the coordinates of the point(s) of intersection.

Hence the solutions of the pair of simultaneous equations are

x = ___________ and y = ___________.

Steps for solving simultaneous equations using Graphical Method:

1. Identify the two equations given.

2. Construct table of values (at least three points for each graph).
3. Construct x and y axes with suitable scales.
4. Use ‘’ to plot the points.
5. Join the points using ruler to form two straight lines.
6. Label both graphs.
7. Find the point of intersection.
8. Write down solutions x =_______ , y = _______.

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Practice 3a [N 2010/PI/Q22]
The graph of 2 x + 3 y + 3 = 0 is drawn on the grid below.

(a) On the grid draw the graph of y = x + 4.

x −4 0 2

(b) Write down the solutions of these simultaneous equations.

2x + 3y + 3 = 0
y = x+4
x = ………………….
y = ………………….
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Practice 3b
Using a scale of 2 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to 2 units on the y-axis, draw the graphs of
the following pairs of simultaneous equations for –3 ≤ x ≤ 3. Use your graphs to solve the
simultaneous equations:
2 x + y = 11
x + 3 y = 18
2 x + y = 11 x + 3 y = 18

x −3 0 3 x −3 0 3
y 17 11 5 y

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Learning Experience

CASE 1:

Solve the simultaneous equations x + y = 3 and 3x + 3 y = 15 by the graphical method.

x+ y =3 3x + 3 y = 15
x 0 1 3 x 0 3 5

y 3 2 0 y

x+ y =3

Observations:
(a) Do the two lines intersect? YES / NO (Circle your answer)
(b) If NO, what do you observe about the two lines?
__________________________________________________________________

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 CASE 2:

Solve the simultaneous equations x − y = 1 and 3x − 3 y = 3 graphically.

x − y =1 3x − 3 y = 3

x 0 1 3 x −1 0 2

y –1 0 2 y

x − y =1

Observations:
(a) Do the two lines intersect? YES / NO (Circle your answer)
(b) If YES, how many points of intersection are there?
__________________________________________________________________

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In summary:
Simultaneous equations can have
(i) one pair of solutions, (two different equations)
(ii) no solutions or (two different equations but same gradient)
(iii) infinitely many solutions. (two same equations)

(i) One pair of solutions (ii) No solutions (iii) Infinitely many solutions

Eg. 2x + y = 14 and Eg. x − 2y = −5 and

x − 2y = 3 Eg. 3x − 4y = −5 and
2x − y = 6
6x − 8y = −10
Solutions: x = 5 and y = 4

Complete WS 2 by ______

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1.4 Solving simultaneous linear equations using algebraic methods
Objectives: At the end of the lessons, students should be able to
• solve simultaneous linear equations in two variables using the elimination method
• solve simultaneous linear equations in two variables using the substitution method

WHAT ARE SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS?

Consider this equation x + y = 5, can you write down as many possible values for x and y as
possible that satisfy the equation?
Equation (1): x+y=5

Any values which add

4 1 5 up to 5 are accepted,
including decimals and
3 2 5
fractions.
5
5

Next, consider another equation x − y = 3 and write down as many possible values for x and y as
possible that satisfy the equation.
Equation (2): x− y=3
Given that 𝑥 is a positive integer, fill in the table below accordingly.

5 2 3
4 1 3
3
3

So what values of x and y will satisfy both equations? Ans.: x = _______ , y = _______

When only Equation (1) is given, there are infinite pairs of x and y values that will satisfy the
equation.
However, when Equation (1) and Equation (2) are both given, there is only ONE particular pair
of x and y values that will satisfy BOTH equations.
• Equations (1) and (2) are called simultaneous equations.
• There are TWO variables (x and y) and x = 4, y = 1 are the solutions to the two equations.

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A. Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations by ELIMINATION Method

What does it mean to “eliminate” something?

It means to “remove” something.

In simultaneous linear equations, there are two unknowns.

In order to solve the equations, we can eliminate one of the unknowns.
This method of solving simultaneous linear equations is called the “Elimination Method”.

Example 4a
Solve the simultaneous linear equations.
x+y=5
x–y=3
STEPS INVOLVED IN SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS LINEAR EQUATIONS USING
ELIMINATION METHOD
1. Ensure that the same unknowns are placed in the same columns.
𝑥 + 𝑦 =5
𝑥 − 𝑦 =3

Column for 𝑥 Column for 𝑦

2. Label the equations given.

x+ y =5 --- (1)

x− y =3 --- (2)
3. Ensure that the coefficients of one of the unknowns are the same. (ignore the +/ – sign)
This is the unknown to be eliminated.
Unknown to be eliminated: y (In this example we can also chose to eliminate x)

4. Check if the signs of this unknown are the same or the opposite in the two equations.
(a) Same signs: Elimination by SUBTRACTING the equations.
(b) Opposite signs: Elimination by ADDING the equations.

Addition / Subtraction? Addition

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5. ADD or SUBTRACT the equations accordingly.
x+y=5
(+) x – y = 3
2x + 0 = 8

6. Solve for one unknown first.

8
x=
2
x=4

7. Then substitute the value into EITHER Equation (1) OR Equation (2) to solve for the
other unknown.
Substitute x = 4 into equation (1),
(4) + y = 5
y = 5−4
y =1

8. Write the final answers for the two unknowns.

x = 4 , y =1

SUMMARY OF STEPS (ELIMINATION METHOD)

1. Ensure that the same unknowns are placed in the same columns.
2. Label the equations given.
3. Ensure that the coefficients of one of the unknowns are the same. This is the unknown
to be eliminated.
4. Check if the signs of this unknown are the same or the opposite.
(a) Same signs: Elimination by SUBTRACTING the equations.
(b) Opposite signs: Elimination by ADDING the equations.
5. ADD or SUBTRACT the equations accordingly.
6. Solve for one unknown first.
7. Then substitute the value into EITHER Equation (1) OR Equation (2) to solve for the
other unknown.
8. Write the final answers for the two unknowns.

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Example 4b
Solve the simultaneous linear equations.
x − y = −3 --- (1)
x + 4 y = 17 --- (2)

(1) – (2),
x − y = −3
(–) x + 4 y = 17
0 – 5y = –20
−20
y=
−5
y=4

Substitute y = 4 into equation (1),

x − (4) = −3
x = −3 + 4
x =1 Answer: x = 1 , y = 4

Practice 4a
Solve the simultaneous linear equations.
x + 2y = 8
2 x − 2 y = −2

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Practice 4b
Solve the simultaneous linear equations.
2x + y = 8
2 x − 5 y = −4

Example 5
Solve the following simultaneous linear equations. For both unknowns, the
2 x = 12 − y coefficients are
different! HOW?!?
3x − 2 y = 11

2 x + y = 12 --- (1)
3x − 2 y = 11 --- (2)

(1) × 2: 4 x + 2 y = 24 --- (3)

(2) + (3),
3x − 2 y = 11
(+) 4 x + 2 y = 24
7x + 0 = 35
35
x=
7
x=5

Substitute x = 5 into equation (2),

3(5) − 2 y = 11
−2 y = 11 − 15
−4
y=
−2
y=2 Answer: x = 5 , y = 2
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Practice 5
Solve the following simultaneous equations.
3x + 2 y = 11
x + 5 y = 21

Example 6
Use the elimination method to solve the simultaneous linear equations. Hint:
Combine the fractions
x y on the LHS to form a
+ = −1
2 5 single fraction.
x y Then change all the
− =7 coefficients to integers!
3 4

x5 y  2 x 4 y3
+ = −1 − =7
2 5 5 2 3 4 4  3
5x + 2 y 4x − 3y
= −1 =7
10 12
5 x + 2 y = −10 --- (1) 4 x − 3 y = 84 --- (2)

(1) × 3: 15 x + 6 y = −30 --- (3) (2) × 2: 8x − 6 y = 168 --- (4)

(3) + (4),
15 x + 6 y = −30
(+) 8x − 6 y = 168 Substitute x = 6 into equation (1),
23x + 0 = 138 5(6) + 2 y = −10
138 −10 − 30
x= y=
23 2
x=6 y = −20 Answer: x = 6 , y = −20

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Practice 6
Use the elimination method to solve the simultaneous equations.
x y
+ =4
6 3
x 2y
+ =4
12 3

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Thinking Time 1

Michelle tried to solve the following simultaneous equations.

2 x + y = 10 ------- (1)
2 x − 3 y = 2 ------- (2)

She decided to subtract equation (2) from equation (1) and this was the working she presented:
(1) – (2):
2 x + y − 2 x − 3 y = 10
− 2 y = 10
y = −5
Substitute y = −5 into (1):
2 x + (−5) = 10
2 x = 15
x = 7.5
The solutions are x = 7.5 and y = −5 .

Is Michelle correct in her approach to solve the simultaneous equations?

If not, circle her mistakes and help her correct her work.

Rewrite the correct solution below.

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B. Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations by SUBSTITUTION Method

In substitution method, we first rearrange one equation to express one variable in terms of the
other variable. Next, we substitute this expression into the other equation to obtain an equation in
only one variable.

Example 7
Solve the simultaneous equations by using substitution method.
x + 3y = 8
2 x + 5 y = 13

STEPS INVOLVED IN SOLVING SIMULTANEOUS LINEAR EQUATIONS USING

SUBSTITUTION METHOD
1. Label the equations given.
x + 3y = 8 --- (1)
2 x + 5 y = 13 --- (2)
2. Choose one equation from any of the two equations. (Tips: Choose the equation with
an unknown that has ‘1’ as a coefficient and no negative sign).
From (1),
x + 3y = 8
3. Make the chosen unknown the subject of the equation. Label that equation as (3).
x = 8 − 3 y --- (3)
4. Substitute equation (3) into the other equation which was not chosen in Step 2.
Substitute (3) into (2)
2(8 − 3 y) + 5 y = 13
5. Solve for the chosen unknown first.
16 − 6 y + 5 y = 13
− y = 13 − 16
−3
y= =3
−1
6. Then substitute the value found into any equation to solve for the other unknown.
Substitute y = 3 into (3)
x = 8 − 3(3)
x = −1
7. Write the final answers for the two unknowns.
x = −1 , y = 3

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 SUMMARY OF STEPS (SUBSTITUTION METHOD)
1. Label the equations given.
2. Choose one equation from any of the two equations. (Tips: Choose the equation with
an unknown that has ‘1’ as a coefficient and no negative sign).
3. Make the chosen unknown the subject of the equation. Label that equation as (3).
4. Substitute equation (3) into the other equation which was not chosen in Step 2.
5. Solve for the chosen unknown first.
6. Then substitute the value found into the other equation to solve for the other
unknown.
7. Write the final answers for the two unknowns.

Practice 7a

Solve the simultaneous equations by using substitution method.

4x − 3 y = 9
x = 2y +1

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Practice 7b
Solve the simultaneous equations.
x + 2 y = 12
3x − y = 1

Example 8
For both unknowns, the
Solve the simultaneous equations by using substitution method.
coefficients are not 1!
5 x − 4 y = −12 --- (1) HOW?!?
2 x − 3 y = −2 --- (2)

From (2),
2 x = −2 + 3 y
3
x = −1 + y --- (3)
2
Substitute (3) into (1),
 3 
5  −1 + y  − 4 y = −12 Substitute y = −2 into (3)
 2 
15 3
−5 + y − 4 y = −12 x = −1 + (−2)
2 2
7
y = −12 + 5 x = −4
2
7
y = −7  Answer: x = −4 , y = −2
2
y = −2

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Practice 8
Solve the simultaneous equations by using substitution method.
2 x + 3 y = −3
3x − 4 y = 4

Thinking Time 2

Complete WS 3 by ______

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1.5 Applications of simultaneous equations in real-world contexts

Objectives: At the end of the lessons, students should be able to

Recognise why formulating a pair of linear equations in two variables has useful real-life
applications

In earlier sections, we have learnt the different methods of solving simultaneous equations.
Let us now apply the different methods to solve more real-life problems that can be represented by
two simultaneous equations.

Example 9
The sum of two numbers is 17 and their difference is 3. Find the numbers.

STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING USING SIMULTANEOUS LINEAR EQUATIONS IN

TWO UNKNOWNS
1. Read the question carefully and identify the two unknown quantities to be found.
Represent each unknown by a letter.
Let the bigger number be x and the smaller number be y.

2. Form two linear equations from the information using the two variables.
x + y = 17 --- (1)
x− y =3 --- (2)
4. Solve the simultaneous equations.
(1) + (2),
x + y = 17
(+) x − y = 3
2x + 0 = 20
20
x= = 10
2
Substitute x = 10 into (1),
(10) + y = 17
y = 17 − 10 = 7
5. Write down the answer statement.
The two numbers are 10 and 7.

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Practice 9

The prices of a book and a pen are $x and $y respectively.

(a) The total price of 3 books and 1 pen is $17. Form an equation in x and y.
(b) The total price of 4 books and 5 pens is $30. Form an equation in x and y.
(c) By solving the simultaneous equations in (a) and (b), find the price of a book and the price
of a pen.

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Practice 10

A 2x + y B
What are the
properties of
4x + 5y – 7 x+y opposite sides
of a rectangle?

D 3x + 5y + 3 C

In the diagram, ABCD is a rectangle. Given that AB = (2x + y) cm, BC = (x + y) cm,

CD = (3x + 5y + 3) cm and AD = (4x + 5y – 7) cm.
(a) Form two equations involving x and y.
(b) Find the values of x and y.
(c) Calculate the area of rectangle ABCD.

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Practice 11 (O Level Question)
Xavier drives at an average speed of x km/h for 2 hours 40 minutes and then at an average speed of
y km/h for 1 hour 20 minutes.
He drives a total of 240 km.
(a) Write down an equation in x and y to represent this information and show that it simplifies
to 2x + y = 180.
Hok An drives at an average speed of x km/h for 1 hour 30 minutes and then at an average speed of
y km/h for 2 hours 30 minutes.
He drives 10.5 km further than Xavier.
(b) Write down an equation in x and y to represent this information.
(c) Solve these two equations to find the value of x and the value of y.
[O Level 2015/P2/Q6]

[Ans.: (b) 3x + 5y = 501 (c) x = 57, y = 66]

Complete WS 4 by ______

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 HOMEWORK WORKSHEET 1

1.1 Equations of straight lines

1.2 Graphs of linear equations in the form ax + by = k
Complete the following questions on foolscap.

Compulsory Questions
Question 1
Textbook 2A (pg 9): Exercise 1A Q1a

Question 2
Textbook 2A (pg 9): Exercise 1A Q2a

Question 3
Textbook 2A (pg 9): Exercise 1A Q3

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 HOMEWORK WORKSHEET 2
1.3 Solving simultaneous linear equations using graphical method
Complete the following questions on foolscap.

Compulsory Questions
Question 1
Textbook 2A (pg 13): Exercise 1B Q1a
3x − y = 0 2x − y = 1

x –2 0 2 x –2 0 2

y y

Use a scale of 2 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to 2 units on the y-axis

Question 2
Textbook 2A (pg 13): Exercise 1B Q3

Question 3
(a) Draw the graph of y = 4x + 5 for −4  x  0 .
y = 4x + 5

x –4 –2 0

Use a scale of 2 cm to 1 unit on the x-axis and 1 cm to 2 units on the y-axis

(b) On the same axes, draw the graph of y = –3.

(c) Hence, solve the simultaneous equations y = 4x + 5 and y = –3.

Optional Question
Question 4
Textbook 2A (pg 13): Exercise 1B Q4b
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 HOMEWORK WORKSHEET 3
1.4 Solving simultaneous linear equations using algebraic methods
Complete the following questions on foolscap.

Compulsory Questions
Question 1
Textbook 2A (pg 21): Exercise 1C Q1b

Question 2
Textbook 2A (pg 21): Exercise 1C Q2c

Question 3
Textbook 2A (pg 21): Exercise 1C Q4c

Question 4
Textbook 2A (pg 21): Exercise 1C Q5c

Optional Questions
Question 5
Textbook 2A (pg 22): Exercise 1C Q7c

Question 6
Textbook 2A (pg 22): Exercise 1C Q9b

Question 7
Textbook 2A (pg 22): Exercise 1C Q11
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 HOMEWORK WORKSHEET 4
1.5 Applications of simultaneous equations in real-world contexts
Complete the following questions on foolscap.

Compulsory Questions
* Solve the following questions using simultaneous equations.

Question 1
Textbook 2A (pg 27): Exercise 1D Q2

Question 2
Textbook 2A (pg 27): Exercise 1D Q4

Question 3
Textbook 2A (pg 27): Exercise 1D Q6

Question 4
Textbook 2A (pg 27): Exercise 1D Q8

Question 5
Triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle with AB = AC.
The angles are as shown on the diagram.

(a) Write down two simultaneous equations, in terms of x

and y, to represent this information.

(b) Solve the simultaneous equations to find the sizes of

the angles A, B and C of the triangle.
[O-Level/P1/2013]
Optional Questions
Question 6
Textbook 2A (pg 28): Exercise 1D Q17

Question 7
Textbook 2A (pg 28): Exercise 1D Q21
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