What Are Simultaneous Equations?
Simultaneous equations are a pair (or more) of equations that share two or more unknowns. The goal is to find a value for each unknown that makes both equations true at the same time.
They come up in real life more often than you might think—like comparing phone plans, figuring out costs and quantities, or solving puzzles where you have multiple clues.
Let’s explore how they work with a fun example!
Ali buys 3 bananas and 2 apples for $2.90. Zara buys 2 bananas and 4 apples for $3.20.
How much does one banana and one apple cost? Step 1: Turn the problem into equations
Let:
- b = cost of one banana
- a = cost of one apple
So we get:
⦁ 3b + 2a = 2.90
⦁ 2b + 4a = 3.20
Step 2: Solve using elimination or substitution Let’s solve it using elimination:
Multiply the first equation by 2 to line up the apples:
→ 6b + 4a = 5.80
→ 2b + 4a = 3.20
Now subtract the second from the first: (6b + 4a) − (2b + 4a) = 5.80 − 3.20
→ 4b = 2.60
→ b = 0.65
Now plug b = 0.65 into one of the original equations:
3(0.65) + 2a = 2.90
→ 1.95 + 2a = 2.90
→ 2a = 0.95
→ a = 0.475
✅ Answer: One banana costs $0.65 and one apple costs $0.48 (rounded to 2 decimal places).
Eleven Food Center Lusail Fox Hills 7091-1211
Tucked into Lusail’s Al Mirqab district, Eleven Food Centre is more than just a convenience store, its a 24/7 food hub that draws locals and late-night wanderers alike and open round the clock.
