Paper 1 · Algebra ⏱ Tested in 5 exam questions since 2016 Lesson 19 of 23

Algebra 19 – Simultaneous Equations by substitution

You’ll learn

  • Spot when a squared term forces the substitution method over elimination
  • Isolate a variable in the linear equation and substitute into the quadratic
  • Solve the resulting quadratic and back-substitute for both solution pairs
  • Present paired answers as coordinates (x, y)

Formula used

Roots of the quadratic equation

x = (-b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a

On page 20 of the log tables — read it off, don’t memorise.

Most recent exam questions

  • 2025 P1 Q4(a) — deferred
  • 2024 P1 Q1(c) — deferred
  • 2022 P1 Q4(a) — deferred
  • 2022 P2 Q1(c)
  • 2016 P1 Q2(b)
Open the worked PDF

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