Skip to content

GCSE Maths: Simultaneous Equations

Practise GCSE Maths simultaneous equations using elimination and substitution methods, including non-linear pairs. AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

AlgebraFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas

What you need to know

The concepts examiners test on simultaneous equations, and what each one is really asking.

Elimination method
Substitution method
Graphical method
Linear and non-linear simultaneous equations
Forming simultaneous equations from problems

Where marks get lost

The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.

  • Elimination works best when coefficients can be made equal by multiplication
  • Substitution is best when one equation is already solved for one variable
  • Check your solution satisfies both original equations

Simultaneous Equations questions students ask

What is the elimination method?

Multiply one or both equations so that the coefficient of one variable is the same, then add or subtract the equations to eliminate that variable.

How do I solve non-linear simultaneous equations?

Use substitution — substitute the linear equation into the quadratic/circular equation, then solve the resulting quadratic.