Specification References: N5.4h N5.4h Set up and solve simple linear equations, including simultaneous equations in two unknowns. |
Questions in this unit will include geometrical problems, problems set in a functional context and questions requiring a graphical solution.
Questions set without a context will be assessed in Unit 2.
Questions involving the algebraic solution of simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns will be assessed in Unit 2.
The expected method for solving simultaneous equations, where one is linear and one is non-linear equation will be to substitute a variable from the linear equation into the non-linear equation.
For example, solve the simultaneous equations y = 11x – 2 and y = 5x2.
The non-linear equation will be of the form y = ax2 + bx + c, where a, b and c are integers (including zero).
On Unit 2 these will generally lead to a quadratic equation that can be solved by factorisation.
On Unit 3 these will generally lead to a quadratic equation that can be solved graphically to find approximate solutions, or by using the quadratic formula.