Simultaneous equations (8300 - Higher - Algebra)

Topic:Simultaneous equations

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
A19
  • Solve two simultaneous equations in two variables (linear / linear or linear/quadratic) algebraically
  • Find approximate solutions using a graph


A21
  • Translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae
  • Derive two simultaneous equations
  • Solve the equations and interpret the solution

  • including the solution of geometrical problems and problems set in context


The subject content (above) matches that set out in the Department for Education’s Mathematics GCSE subject content and assessment objectives document.

The expectation is that:

  • All students will develop confidence and competence with the content identified by standard type
  • All students will be assessed on the content identified by the standard and the underlined type; more highly attaining students will develop confidence and competence with all of this content
  • Only the more highly attaining students will be assessed on the content identified by bold type. The highest attaining students will develop confidence and competence with the bold content.

Teaching resources

Teaching resources - see below
Downloadable resource in format. 29/08/2014

BBC Bitesize: Simultaneous Equations
An introduction to simultaneous equations and solution by elimination, substitution and graphical methods. (Note: Quadratic equations are only suitable for Higher tier students.) 04/08/2015

CIMT: Simultaneous equations
An online exercise involving the solution of simultaneous equations through graphical and algebraic methods.04/08/2015
Simultaneous Equations Cards
The cards are printed out double sided - students create simultaneous equations from a real life or mathematical context then turn over the card to check they are correct before solving the equations. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Transum: Using graphs to solve equations
An online exercise in which students use graphs to solve simultaneous equations. Questions 5 to 7 offer an extension beyond the specification to consider solving other types of simultaneous equations, eg two quadratic equations.04/08/2015

Applications of simultaneous equations
A worksheet of demanding questions in which students solve simultaneous equations, many of which have one is linear and one is quadratic in a range of mathematical contexts. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Revision Booklet: Simultaneous equations
A wide range of revision examination style questions including algebraic and graphical methods (Note: These questions are based on examination questions from a previous specification. Not all questions are suitable for Foundation tier students.) You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Simultaneous Equations with one quadratic graphically
A structured exercise in which students must draw a quadratic and a straight line in order to solve one linear, one quadratic simultaneous equations. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Simultaneous Equations with one quadratic starter
Nice starter activity in which four sets of simultaneous equations are solved graphically. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Simultaneous scenarios
A worksheet in which students form and solve pairs of simultaneous equations and solve these to find the solution to a problem.02/09/2015
Solving Simultaneous Equations Graphically
A straightforward lesson introducing the idea of solving simultaneous equations graphically and providing a simple practice exercise. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
Transum: Simultaneous Equations
A series of six increasingly demanding online exercises involving simultaneous equations, including some problems set in context.04/08/2015

Topic Tests

8300 GCSE Higher Simultaneous Equations Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 18/11/2022
8300 GCSE Higher Simultaneous Equations Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 18/11/2022

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