Simultaneous linear equations in two variables

A pair of linear equations in two variables is said to form a system of simultaneous linear
equations.

General form : and , where and are

real non zero numbers; and and x, y are variables. Here is an

example of a system of simultaneous linear equations.
x – 2y = 3, 2x + 5y = 5

🟋 x = 2 & y = –1 is a solution a linear equation 3x + 2y = 4, because values of x & y

satisfies the equation.
i.e. LHS = 3(2) + 2(–1)
=6–2
= 4 = RHS
Solution of simultaneous linear equations in two variables
A pair of values of the variables x and y satisfying each one of the equations in a given
system of two simultaneous linear equations in x and y is called a solution of the system.
E.g. x = 2, y = 3 is a solution of the system of simultaneous linear equations.
2x + y = 7 … (1)
3x + 2y = 12 … (2)
Put x = 2, y = 3 in L.H.S of equation (1), we get
L.H.S 2 × 2 + 3 = 7 = R.H.S

[1]
 Put x = 2, y = 3 in L.H.S of equation (2), we get
L.H.S = 3 × 2 + 2 × 3 = 12 = R.H.S
The value of x = 2, y = 3 satisfy both equations (1) and (2).
Investigating graphs of a system of equations
Recall from class IX that the geometrical representation of a linear equation in two
variables is a straight line. Each solution (x, y) of a linear equation in two variables,
ax + by + c = 0, corresponds to a point on the line representing the equations, and vice
versa. As such, there are infinitely many solutions of a linear equation in 2 variables.
Since a linear equation in two variables represents a straight line. Therefore, a pair of
linear equations in two variables will be represented by two straight lines, both to be
considered together. You know that for given two lines in a plane, only one of the
following three possibilities can happen:
(i) The two lines intersect at one point.
(ii) The two lines are parallel.
(iii) The two lines are coincident lines.
Thus, the graphical representation of a pair of simultaneous linear equations in two
variables will be in one of the forms. (see figure below)

In one week a music store sold 7 violins for a total of ` 1500. Two different types of
violins were sold. One type cost ` 200 and the other type cost ` 300. Represent this
situation algebraically and graphically.
Explanation

[2]
Now, x + y = 7

⇒ y=7–x

points are (0, 7), (7, 0), (3, 4)

200x + 300y = 1500

⇒ 2x + 3y = 15

⇒ y=

points are (0, 5), (3, 3), (– 3, 7)

The graphical representation is shown in the figure which shows intersecting lines.

Two railway tracks are represented by the equations x + 2y – 6 = 0 and x + 2y – 4 =

0. Represent this situation graphically.
Explanation
x + 2y – 6 = 0 ... (1)
x + 2y – 4 = 0 ... (2)

[3]
 x + 2y – 6 = 0

⇒ y=

Points are (0, 3), (6, 0), (2, 2)

x + 2y – 4 = 0

⇒ y=

Points are (0,2), (4,0), (2,1)

The graphical representation is shown in the figure which shows parallel lines.

Lorea is moving along the path x + y = 6 and Johana is moving along the path 2x +
2y = 12. Represent this situation graphically.
Explanation
x+y=6 ... (1)

⇒ y=6–x

2x + 2y = 12 ... (2)

⇒ y=

[4]
The graphical representation is shown in the figure which shows that they are moving on
the same path.

🟋 At least 3 solutions are required to draw a graph of a linear equation in two

variables.

Solving system of equations by graphing

A system of two linear equations can be solved graphically, by graphing both equations in
the same co-ordinate plane. Every point on the line of an equation is a solution of that
equation.
The point at which the two lines cross lies on both lines and so it is the solution of both
equations, it is also known as unique solution.
If the two lines coincide, they have infinitely many common points, and hence the system
has infinitely many solutions.
Finally, if the lines represented by the equations are parallel, they do not have a common
point and so the system has no solution.

Solve the following system of equations by graphing.

(i) x + 2y – 3 = 0, 4x + 3y = 2
(ii) 3x + y = 1, 2y = 2 – 6x
(iii) 2x – y = 2, 2y – 4x = 2
Solution
(i) x + 2y – 3 = 0

⇒ y=

[5]
 Points are (1, 1), (3, 0), (–3, 3)
4x + 3y = 2

⇒ y=

Points are (2, –2), (–1,2), (5, –6)

From the graph, (see fig.) we see that the two lines intersect at a point (–1,2).
So unique solution of the pair of linear equations is x = – 1, y = 2.
(ii) 3x + y = 1

⇒ y = 1 – 3x

Points are (0, 1), (1, –2), (2, –5)

2y = 2 – 6x

⇒ y=

Points are (–1, 4), (1, –2), (–2, 7)

The graph is shown in figure.
The two equations have the same graph. Thus, system has infinite number of
solutions.

(iii) 2x – y = 2 ⇒ y = 2x – 2

Points are (0, –2), (1, 0), (2, 2)

[6]
 2y – 4x = 2 ⇒ y =

Points are (0, 1), (1, 3), (–1, –1)

The graph is shown alongside (see fig.).
The graph of the system consists of two parallel lines. So, it has no solution.

🟋 Plot three points for drawing a graph of linear equation in two variables. If these

three points do not lie on same line that means at

least one of the points (solution) is not correct.
Types of System of Equation
Consistent system: A system of equations with at least one solution is called a consistent
system (Unique and infinite many solutions).
Inconsistent system: A system of equations with no solution is called an inconsistent
system (No solutions).
Dependent system: A system of equations with an infinite number of solutions is said to
be dependent (Infinite many solutions).
Independent system: A system of equations with only one solution is said to be
independent (Unique solutions).
Algebraic conditions for consistency/inconsistency of the system
S. Compare Graphical Algebraic
Pairs of lines
No. the ratio Representation interpretation

Exactly one
x – 3y = 0 Intersecting
1. solution
4x + 5y – 18 = 0 lines
(unique)

3x + 4y – 8 = 0 Coincident Infinitely many

2.
6x + 8y – 16 = 0 lines solutions

x + 3y – 5 = 0 Parallel
3. No Solution
2x + 6y – 12 = 0 lines

[7]
 🟋 Linear equation in two variables is written in standard form as a1x + b1y + c1 = 0

In each of the following pairs of equations, determine whether the system has a
unique solution, no solution or infinitely many solutions :
(i) 2x + 5y = 17 (ii) x – 3y – 3 = 0 (iii) 4x + 6y = 7
5x + 3y = 14 3x – 9y – 2 = 0 6x + 9y = 10.5
Solution
The given pair of equations can be rewritten as
(i) 2x + 5y – 17 = 0
5x + 3y – 14 = 0
Here a1 = 2, b1 = 5 and c1 = – 17
a2 = 5, b2 = 3 and c2 = – 14

Clearly
∴ The given pair of equations has a unique solution.
(ii) The given pair of equations is
x – 3y – 3 = 0
3x – 9y – 2 = 0
Here a1 = 1, b1 = – 3 and c1 = – 3
a2 = 3, b2 = – 9 and c2 = – 2

∴ and

∴ Clearly

∴ The given pair of equations has no solution.

(iii) The given pair of equations can be rewritten as
4x + 6y – 7 = 0
6x + 9y – 10.5 = 0
Here a1 = 4, b1 = 6 and c1 = – 7
a2 = 6, b2 = 9 and c2 = – 10.5

[8]
∴ and

∴ The given pair of equations has infinitely many solutions.

For what value of k, the system of equations x + 2y = 5, 3x + ky + 15 = 0 has

(i) A unique solution (ii) No solution?
Solution
We have, x + 2y = 5

⇒ x + 2y – 5 = 0 and 3x + ky + 15 = 0.

(i) The required condition for unique solution is:

Hence, for all real values of k except 6, the given system of equations will have a unique
solution.

(ii) The required condition for no solution is :

⇒ k = 6 and

⇒ k = 6 and k ≠ –6

Hence the given system of equations will have no solution when k = 6.

[9]
 Find the value of k for which the system of equations 4x + 5y = 0, kx + 10y = 0 has
infinitely many solutions.
Solution
The given system is of the form a1x + b1y = 0, a2x + b2y = 0
a1 = 4, a2 = k, b1 = 5, b2 = 10

If the system has infinitely many solutions,

⇒ k=8

🟋 For finding , take coefficients a1, b1, c1, a2, b2 & c2 with signs before them

in the equations.

🟋 If the constant terms are zero in a simultaneous system of equations, the system will

always be consistent.
Consider the following system :
a1x + b1y = 0 ... (1)
a2x + b2y = 0 … (2)
As the constant terms are zero, equation (1) and (2) will pass through the origin.
As such, they will always intersect at one point i.e. the origin.
Hence, such a system will always be consistent.

Consider the following system of equations:

[ 10 ]
2x + 5y = 0 and 4x + 3y = 0
(a) If the system is consistent, how many solutions are possible, find them.
(b) If the coefficient of y in second equation is replaced by 10, will there be any
change in the number of solutions? Explain your answer.
Explanation
(a) 2x + 5y = 0 … (1) ; 4x + 3y = 0 … (2)
Hence, a1 = 2, b1 = 5, a2 = 4, b2 = 3.

and ⇒

⇒ Given system is consistent and has unique solution.

2x + 5y = 0 ⇒ y = 4x + 3y = 0 ⇒ y =

Points are (5, –2), (– 5, 2), (0,0) Points are (0, 0), (3, – 4), (–3, 4)
From the graph, we see that the two lines intersect at a point (0, 0). So, the solution of the
pair of linear equations are x = 0, y = 0.
(b) On replacing the coefficient of y in second equation by 10, we have :

2x + 5y = 0 ... (3)

4x + 10y = 0 ... (4)

Here and

⇒ Now the system has infinite number of solutions.

2x + 5y = 0 4x + 10y = 0

⇒ y= ⇒ y=

[ 11 ]
 Points are (0, 0), (5, –2), (–5, 2) Points are (0, 0), (5, –2), (–5, 2)

From the graph (see fig.), we see that the two lines are coincident. So, the system has

infinitely many solutions.

Algebraic solution by substitution method

To solve a pair of linear equations in two variables x and y by substitution method, we

follow the following steps:

Step-1 : Write the given equations

a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 ... (1)

and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 ... (2)

Step- 2: Choose one of the two equations and express y in terms of x (or x in terms of y),

i.e., express one variable in terms of the other.

Step-3 : Substitute this value of y obtained in step-2, in the other equation to get a linear

equation in x.

Step-4 : Solve the linear equation obtained in step-3 and get the value of x.

Step-5 : Substitute this value of x in the relation obtained in step-2 and find the value of

y.

Solve for x and y : 4x + 3y = 24, 3y – 2x = 6.

Solution
4x + 3y = 24 ... (1)
3y – 2x = 6 ... (2)
From equation (1), we get

y= ... (3)
Substituting in equation (2), we get

[ 12 ]
⇒ 24 – 4x – 2x = 6

⇒ – 6x = – 24 + 6

⇒ 6x = 18

⇒ x=3
Substituting x = 3 in (3), we get

⇒ y= ⇒ =4
Hence, x = 3, y = 4.

🟋 A homogeneous system is always consistent.

In one day the Museum admitted 321 adults and children and collected ` 1590. The
price of admission is ` 6 for an adult and ` 4 for a child. How many adults and how
many children were admitted to the museum that day?
Explanation

From equation (1), we get

x = – y + 321 ... (3)
6(–y + 321) + 4y = 1590 (Substitute – y + 321 for x in equation 2)
–6y + 1926 + 4y = 1590
–2y + 1926 = 1590
–2y = – 336
y = 168
x = – (168) + 321 = 153 (Substitute 168 for y in equation 3)
[ 13 ]
 153 adults and 168 children were admitted to the National Museum of India that day.

🟋 While applying substitution method, do not put the value of y (in term of x) in the
same equation from which the value of y is obtained in terms of x.
Algebraic solution by elimination method
To solve a pair of linear equations in two variables x and y by elimination method, we
follow the following steps:
Step-1 : Write the given equations.
a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 ... (1)
and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 ... (2)
Step-2 : Multiply the given equations by suitable numbers so that the coefficient of one
of the variables are numerically equal.
Step-3 : If the numerically equal coefficients are opposite in sign, then add the new
equations otherwise subtract.
Step-4 : Solve the linear equations in one variable obtained in step-3 and get the value
of one variable.
Step-5 : Substitute this value of the variable obtained in step-4 in any of the two
equations and find the value of the
other variable.

Solve the following pair of linear equations by elimination method 3x + 4y = 10 and

2x – 2y = 2.
Solution
We have, 3x + 4y = 10 ... (1)
and 2x – 2y = 2 ... (2)
Multiplying equation (2) by 2,
we get 4x – 4y = 4 ... (3)
Adding (1) and (3), we get 7x = 14 ⇒ x = 2
Putting x = 2 in equation (2), we get
2 × 2 – 2y = 2
⇒ 2y = 4 – 2

⇒ y=1
Hence, the solution is x = 2 and y = 1.

[ 14 ]
🟋 In elimination method while multiplying any one (or both) the equations by the

constant, multiplication is done with each term of the equations.

Algebraic solution by cross-multiplication method
Consider the system of linear equations.
a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 ... (1)
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 ... (2)
To solve it by cross multiplication method, we follow the following steps :
Step-1 : Write the coefficients as follows :

The arrows between the two numbers indicate that they are to be multiplied. The
products with upward arrows are to be subtracted from the products with downward
arrows. To apply above formula, all the terms must be in left to the equal sign in the
system of equations –
Now, by above mentioned rule, equation (1) and (2) reduces to

= =

⇒ x= and y =

Case-1 : If a1b2 – a2b1 ≠ 0 ⇒ x and y have some finite values, with unique solution for

the system of equations.

Case-2 : If a1b2 – a2b1 = 0 ⇒

Here two cases arise :

(a) If (λ ≠ 0). Then a1 = a2λ, b1 = b2λ, c1 = c2λ

Put these values in equation a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 ... (i)

⇒ a2λx + b2λy + c2λ = 0

⇒ λ (a2x + b2y + c2) = 0 but λ ≠ 0

[ 15 ]
 ⇒ a2x + b2y + c2 =0 ... (ii)

So, (i) and (ii) are dependent, so there are infinite number of solutions.

(b) If

⇒ = λ (λ ≠ 0). Then a1 = a2λ, b1 = b2λ

Put these values in equation a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 ... (i)
⇒ a2λx + b2λ y + c1 = 0

⇒ λ (a2x + b2y) + c1 = 0 but λ ≠ 0

⇒ a2x + b2y = – c2 [from equation (ii)]

Put this value in equation λ (a2x + b2y) + c1 = 0, we get

⇒ λ (–c2) + c1 = 0

⇒ λ=

As λ≠ and we are getting λ =

So, system of equations is inconsistent and it has infinite many solution.

🟋 In cross multiplication method try to apply basic method rather than applying
formula directly because it might possible that you are remembering wrong formula.

Solve by cross-multiplication method:

x + 2y + 1 = 0 and 2x – 3y – 12 = 0
Solution
We have, x + 2y + 1 = 0 and 2x – 3y – 12 = 0
By cross-multiplication method, we have

[ 16 ]
∴ = =

⇒ x= and y =
Hence, the solution is x = 3 and y = –2.

Bus fare from Bangalore bus stand, if we buy 2 tickets to Malleswarm and 3 tickets
to Yeshwanthpur, the total cost is ` 46; but if we buy 3 tickets to Malleswarm and 5
tickets to Yeshwanthpur the total cost is ` 74. Find the fares from Bangalore to
Malleswarm and to Yeshwanthpur.
Explanation

By cross-multiplication,

[ 17 ]
 ⇒

⇒ and

⇒ x = 8 and y = 10

Hence, Fare form Bangalore to Malleswarm = ` 8

Fare from Bangalore to Yeshwanthpur = ` 10

🟋 Before applying cross multiplication method write both linear equations in two

variables in standard form.

Interchanged Coefficients Method

Equations of the form ax + by = c and bx + ay = d, where a ≠ b.

To solve the equations of the form:

ax + by = c ... (1)
and bx + ay = d ... (2)

where a ≠ b, we follow the following steps :

Step-1 : Add (1) and (2) and obtain (a + b)x + (b + a) y = c + d,

i.e., x + y = ... (3)

Step-2 : Subtract (2) from (1) and obtain (a – b)x – (a – b) y = c – d,

i.e., x – y = ... (4)

Step-3 : Solve (3) and (4) to get x and y.

[ 18 ]
Solve for x and y : 47x + 31y = 63, 31x + 47y = 15.
Solution
We have,
47x + 31y = 63 ... (1)
and 31x + 47y = 15 ... (2)
Adding (1) and (2), we get :
78x + 78y = 78

⇒ x+y=1 ... (3)

Subtracting (2) from (1), we get :

16x – 16y = 48

⇒ x–y=3 ... (4)

Now, adding (3) and (4), we get :

2x = 4

⇒ x=2

Putting x = 2 in (3), we get :

2+y=1

⇒ y=–1

Hence, the solution is x = 2 and y = –1

Equations reducible to linear equations in two variables
Equations which contain the variables, only in the denominators, are called reciprocal
equations. These equations can be of the following types and can be solved by the under
mentioned method:

Type-I : = c and = c' (where a, b, c, a', b', c' are real number).

Put and and find the value of x and y by any method described earlier.

Then u = and v =

Type-II : au + bv = cuv and a'u + b'v = c'uv (where a, b, c, a', b', c' are real number).
[ 19 ]
 Divide both equations by uv and equations can be converted in the form explained in (I).

Type-III : , (where a, b, k, a', b', k' are real

number)

Put and

Then equations are au + bv = k and a'u + b'v = k'

Find the values of u and v and put in lx + my = and cx + dy =

Again, solve for x and y, by any method explained earlier.

Solve for x and y : + 5 = 0 and – 2 = 0 (x ≠ 0, y ≠ 0)

Solution

We have, + 5 = 0 and –2=0

Let = u and = v. Then, the given equations can be written as

3au – 2bv = –5 ... (1)

and au + 3bv = 2 ... (2)
Multiplying (1) by 3 and (2) by 2, we get
9au – 6bv = –15 ... (3)
and 2au + 6bv = 4 ... (4)
Adding (3) and (4), we get 11au = –11

⇒ u=

Put u = in equation (2), we get a + 3bv = 2

[ 20 ]
⇒ 3bv = 3 ⇒ But = u and

Therefore, = ⇒ x = – a and =

⇒ y = b [ u = ,v= ]

Hence the solution is x = – a and y = b.

Solve for x and y : 7x – 2y = 5xy and 8x + 7y = 15xy

Solution

7x – 2y = 5xy ⇒ ... (1)

... (2)

Putting = u and , we get

7u – 2v = 5 ... (3)
8u + 7v = 15 ... (4)
Multiplying (3) by 7 and (4) by 2 and adding, we get
49u – 14v = 35 and 16u + 14v = 30

65 u = 65

⇒ u=1

⇒ or y = 1

Substituting u = 1 in (3) we get :

7 – 2v = 5 ⇒ v = 1 ⇒ or x = 1

[ 21 ]
 Hence, x = 1, y = 1.

Solve : = 5 and = 9.
Solution

We have =5 … (1)

⇒ – 5 = 0 and =9 … (2)

⇒ –9=0

Let = p and =q
Then, the given equations can be rewritten as 57p + 6q – 5 = 0 and 38p + 21q – 9 = 0
By cross-multiplication method, we have

∴ = =

⇒ = =

⇒ p= and q =

But = p and = q. Therefore =

⇒ x + y = 19 ... (3)

[ 22 ]
and =

⇒ x–y=3 ... (4)

Adding (3) and (4), we get

2x = 22 ⇒ x = 11

Put x = 11 in (3), we get

11 + y = 19 ⇒ y = 8

Hence, the solution is x = 11 and y = 8.

🟋 Word problems are mainly dependent on formation of equations i.e. decoding of

language given in word problem.

Word Problems based on articles and their costs

37 pens and 53 pencils together cost ` 320, while 53 pens and 37 pencils together
cost ` 400. Find the cost of a pen and that of a pencil.
Explanation
Let the cost of a pen be ` x and that of a pencil be ` y. Then,
37 x + 53 y = 320 ... (1)
and 53 x + 37 y = 400 ... (2)
Adding equations (1) and (2), we get
90 x + 90 y = 720 ⇒ x + y = 8 ... (3)
Subtracting equation (1) from (2), we get
16 x – 16 y = 80 ⇒ x – y = 5 ... (4)
Adding equations (3) and (4), we get
2 x = 13 ⇒ x = 6.5
Substituting x = 6.5 in equation (3), we get
y = (8 – 6.5) = 1.5
Hence, cost of one pen = ` 6.50 and cost of one pencil = ` 1.50.

[ 23 ]
 A and B each have certain number of oranges. A says to B, "if you give me 10 of your
oranges, I will have twice the number of oranges left with you". B replies, "if you
give me 10 of your oranges, I will have the same number of oranges as left with
you". Find the number of oranges with A and B separately.
Solution
Suppose A has x oranges and B has y oranges.
According to the given conditions, we have
x + 10 = 2 (y – 10) ⇒ x – 2y + 30 = 0 ... (1)

and, y + 10 = x – 10 ⇒ x – y – 20 = 0 ... (2)

Subtracting equation (2) from equation (1), we get
– y + 50 = 0 ⇒ y = 50
Putting y = 50 in equation (1), we get x = 70
Hence, A has 70 oranges and B has 50 oranges.
Word Problems based on numbers

🟋 Recall that the two-digit number having a and b as units and ten's digits respectively

is equal to 10b + a and the number obtained by reversing the order of digits is 10 a +
b.

In a two-digit number, the unit's digit is twice the ten's digit. If 27 is added to the
number, the digits interchange their places. Find the number.
Explanation
Let the digit in the unit's place be x and digit in the ten's place be y.
Then, x = 2y [Given] ... (1)
and, Number = 10y + x
Number obtained by reversing the digits = 10x + y
It is given that the digits interchange their places if 27 is added to the number.

[ 24 ]
i.e., Number + 27 = Number obtained by interchanging the digits

∴ 10y + x + 27 = 10x + y

⇒ 9x – 9y = 27

⇒ x–y=3 ... (2)

Putting x = 2y in equation (2), we get

2y – y = 3 ⇒ y = 3

Putting y = 3 in equation (2), we get

x=6
Hence, the number is 10y + x = 10 × 3 + 6 = 36

The sum of a two digit number and the number obtained by reversing the order of
its digits is 121, and the two digits differ by 3. Find the number.
Solution
Let the digit in the units place be x and the digit at the ten's place be y.
Then, number = 10y + x
The number obtained by reversing the order of the digits is 10 x + y.

According to the given conditions, we have

(10y + x) + (10x + y) = 121

⇒ 11 (x + y) = 121

⇒ x + y = 11

and x – y = ± 3 [ Difference of digits is 3]

Thus, we have the following sets of simultaneous equations.
x + y = 11 … (1)
x + y = 11 … (3)
and x – y = 3 … (2)
or x–y=–3 … (4)
On solving equation (1) and (2), we get x = 7, y = 4

[ 25 ]
 On solving equations (3) and (4), we get x = 4, y = 7
When x = 7, y = 4, we have
Number = 10y + x = 10 × 4 + 7 = 47
When x = 4, y = 7, we have
Number = 10y + x = 10 × 7 + 4 = 74
Hence, the required number is either 47 or 74.
Word Problems based on fractions

A fraction is such that if the numerator is multiplied by 3 and the denominator is

reduced by 3, we get , but if the numerator is increased by 8 and the

denominator is doubled, we get . Find the fraction.

Explanation

Let the fraction be .

Then, according to the given conditions, we have

and

⇒ 11x = 6y – 18 and 5x + 40 = 4y

⇒ 11x – 6y + 18 = 0 … (1)

5x – 4y + 40 = 0 … (2)
Multiplying equation (1) by 2 and (2) by 3 and subtracting (2) from (1),
22x – 12y + 36 = 0
15x – 12y + 120 = 0
7x – 84 = 0

x= = 12
Putting x = 12 in equation (2)
5 × 12 – 4y + 40 = 0

[ 26 ]
60 + 40 = 4y

y= = 25

Hence, the fraction is .

The denominator of a fraction is 4 more than twice the numerator. When both the
numerator and denominator are decreased by 6, then the denominator becomes 12
times the numerator. Determine the fraction.
Solution
Let the numerator and denominator of the fraction be x and y respectively.

Then, Fraction =
It is given that, Denominator = 2 (Numerator) + 4
⇒ y = 2x + 4

⇒ 2x – y + 4 = 0

According to the given condition, we have

y – 6 = 12(x – 6)
⇒ y – 6 = 12x – 72

⇒ 12x – y – 66 = 0

Thus, we have the following system of equations.

2x – y + 4 = 0 ... (1)
12x – y – 66 = 0 ... (2)
Subtracting equation (1) from equation (2), we get
10x – 70 = 0 ⇒ x = 7

Putting x = 7 in equation (1), we get

14 – y + 4 = 0 ⇒ y = 18

Hence, required fraction = .

Word Problems based on ages

[ 27 ]
 If twice the son's age in years is added to the father's age, the sum is 70. But if twice
the father's age is added to the son's age, the sum is 95. Find the ages of father and
son.
Explanation
Suppose father's age (in years) be x and that of son's age be y. Then,
x + 2y = 70 and 2x + y = 95
This system of equations may be written as
x + 2y – 70 = 0 … (1)
2x + y – 95 = 0 … (2)
Multiplying equation (1) by 2 and subtracting from (2)
2x + y – 95 = 0
2x + 4y – 140 = 0
– – +

y = 15
Putting in equation (1)
x + 2 × 15 – 70 = 0
x = 40
Hence, father's age is 40 years and the son's age is 15 years.

Ten years ago, father was twelve times as old as his son and ten years hence, he will
be twice as old as his son. Find their present ages.
Solution
Let present age of father and his son (in years) be x and y respectively.
Ten years ago, Father's age = (x – 10) years
Son's age = (y – 10) years

∴ x – 10 = 12(y – 10)

⇒ x – 12y + 110 = 0 ... (1)

Ten years later, Father's age = (x + 10) years.

Son's age = (y + 10)
[ 28 ]
∴ x + 10 = 2(y + 10)

⇒ x – 2y – 10 = 0 ... (2)

Subtracting (2) from (1), we get

– 10y + 120 = 0

⇒ 10 y = 120

⇒ y = 12

Putting y = 12 in (1), we get

x – 144 + 110 = 0

⇒ x = 34

Thus, present age of father is 34 years and the present age of son is 12 years.
Word Problems based on time, distance and speed
In solving problems based on time, distance and speed, we use the following formulae :

🟋 Distance = Speed × Time

Time = and Speed =

Upstream & Downstream concept

If Speed of a boat in still water (or stream) = u km/hr
Speed of the current = v km/hr
Then, Speed in upstream = (u – v) km/hr
Speed in downstream = (u + v) km/hr
Following examples will illustrate the use of these formulae.

[ 29 ]
 A boat covers 32 km upstream and 36 km downstream in 7 hours. Also, it covers 40
km upstream and 48 km downstream in 9 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still
water and that of the stream.
Explanation
Let the speed of the boat in still water be x km/hr and the speed of the stream be y km/hr.
Then,
Speed in upstream = (x – y) km/hr
Speed in downstream = (x + y) km/hr
Case-I :

Now, Time taken to cover 32 km upstream = hrs

Time taken to cover 36 km downstream = hrs

But, total time of journey is 7 hours.

∴ =7 ... (1)
Case-II :

Time taken to cover 40 km upstream =

Time taken to cover 48 km downstream =

In this case, total time of journey is given to be 9 hours.

∴ =9 ... (2)

Putting = u and = v in equations (1) and (2), we get

32u + 36v = 7 ⇒ 32u + 36v – 7 = 0 ... (3)

40u + 48v = 9 ⇒ 40u + 48v – 9 = 0 ... (4)

Multiplying equation (3) by 5 and (4) by 4 and subtracting
160u + 180v – 35 = 0
160u +192v – 36 = 0
– – +

[ 30 ]
v=
Putting in equation (3)

32u + 36 × –7=0

u= ⇒u= and v =

Now, u = ⇒ = ⇒x–y=8 ... (5)

and, v = ⇒ = ⇒ x + y = 12 ... (6)

Solving equations (5) and (6), we get x = 10 and y = 2
Hence, Speed of the boat in still water = 10 km/hr
Speed of the stream = 2 km/hr

A man travels 370 km partly by train and partly by car. If he covers 250 km by train
and the rest by car, it takes him 4 hours. But, if he travels 130 km by train and the
rest by car, he takes 18 minutes longer. Find the speed of the train and that of the
car.
Solution

Algebraic Model:

… (1)

… (2)

Let = u and = v. Then, the equations (1) and (2) can be written as
250u + 120v = 4 … (3)

[ 31 ]
 and 130u + 240v = … (4)
Multiplying (3) by 2, we get
500u + 240v = 8 … (5)

Subtracting equation (4) from (5), we get 370u = 8 –

⇒ 370u =

⇒ u=

Putting u = in equation (3), we get

250 × + 120v = 4

⇒ + 120v = 4

⇒ 120v = 4 –

⇒ v= but u = and v =

Therefore, = ⇒ x = 100 and = ⇒ y = 80

Hence the speeds of the train and that of the car are 100 km/h and 80 km/h respectively.
Word Problems based on geometry

The area of a rectangle gets reduced by 9 square units if its length is reduced by 5
units and the breadth is increased by 3 units. If we increase the length by 3 units
and breadth by 2 units, the area is increased by 67 square units. Find the length
and breadth of the rectangle.
Explanation
Let the length and breadth of the rectangle be x units and y units respectively.
Then, Area = xy sq. units
If length is reduced by 5 units and the breadth is increased by 3 units, then area is
reduced by 9 square units

[ 32 ]
∴ xy – 9 = (x – 5) (y + 3)

⇒ xy – 9 = xy + 3x – 5y – 15

⇒ 3x – 5y – 6 = 0 ... (1)

When length is increased by 3 units and breadth by 2 units, the area is increased by 67 sq.
units
xy + 67 = (x + 3)(y + 2)

⇒ xy + 67 = xy + 2x + 3y + 6

⇒ 2x + 3y – 61 = 0 ... (2)

Thus, we get the following system of linear equations:

3x – 5y – 6 = 0
2x + 3y – 61 = 0
Multiplying equation (1) by 2 and (2) by 3 and subtracting
6x – 10y – 12 = 0
6x + 9y – 183 = 0
– – +
–19y + 171 = 0

y= =9
Putting in equation (1)
3x – 5 × 9 – 6 = 0
3x – 45 – 6 = 0
3x = 51

x= = 17
Hence, the length and breadth of the rectangle are 17 units and 9 units respectively.

[ 33 ]
[ 34 ]