Question

Solve the following simultaneous equation.

3a + 5b = 26; a + 5b = 22

Answer 1

3a + 5b = 26         ...(1)
a + 5b = 22          ...(2)

3a + 5b = 26       ...(1)
 a + 5b = 22       ...(2)
−   −       −               
      2a = 4

∴ a = `4/2`

∴ a = 2

Put in equation  ...(1)

3a + 5b = 26

3(2) + 5b = 26

6 + 5b = 26

5b = 26 − 6

5b = 20

∴ b = `20/5`

∴ b = 4

Thus, a = 2, b = 4