CBSE 2023 Maths Class 10: Elimination Method Pair of Linear Equations

By Team Aakash Byju's | 15th December 2022

Step 1

Multiply both of the given equations by non-zero constants to make the coefficients of any of the variables  (x or y) numerically equal.

Scribbled Underline

Step 2

Add or subtract one equation from the other such that one variable is eliminated. If you receive an equation with only one variable, proceed to Step 3. Else,

Scribbled Underline

-21x + 3y = 6

3x - 3y = 3

+

Eliminate

(in this case , add)

-18x + 0y = 9

(Continues)

If we get a true statement with no variables, then the original pair of equations has an endless number of solutions.

2y = 6-4x

2(-2x + 3) = 6-4x

-4x + 6 = 6-4x

adding 4x on both sides

4x-4x + 6 = 6-4x+4x

6 = 6

(y = -2x+3)

.  .

.

(Continues)

If we get a false statement with no variables, the original pair of equations has no solution, i.e., it is inconsistent.

2x + 2y = 18

-2x - 2y = -6

+

0 = 12

Step 3

To find the value of one variable  (x or y), solve the equation.

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2x - (24 - x)  = -6

2x - 24 + x  = -6

3x - 24  = -6

x  = 6

3x  = 18

Step 4

Use this value to solve any of the given equations to find the value of another variable.

Scribbled Underline

x = 6

y =  24 - x

y =  24 - 6

y =  18

For example: Consider equations, 

2x + 7y = 10…………….. (1)

3x + y = 6…………….. (2)

multiplying equation (1) by 3 and equation (2) by 2, we get,

6x + 21y = 30……………..(3)

6x + 2y = 12……………….(4)

Subtracting equation (4) from equation (3). We get,

6x + 21y – 6x – 2y = 30 – 12

⇒ 19y = 18

y = 

18

19

To get the value of x,  substitute the value of y in equation (2),

3x +          = 6

⇒ 3x = 6-

=> x =

96

19

18

19

18

19

3x = 

96

57

32

19

=> x =