PAIR OF LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES-Exercise 3.3

Understanding linear equations is a foundational skill in Class X Mathematics, and Chapter 3 — Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables — plays a crucial role in building analytical and problem-solving abilities. This chapter introduces students to different methods of solving linear equation pairs, such as the graphical method, substitution method, elimination method, and cross-multiplication method. The solutions provided for the textbook exercises are designed to be clear, step-wise, and concept-oriented, ensuring that learners grasp not only the procedure but also the logic behind each problem. Each solution reflects the NCERT curriculum structure, making it easier for students to prepare effectively for school exams as well as competitive assessments. Whether you are revising concepts, practicing for exams, or seeking detailed clarification on complex questions, these solutions aim to provide a comprehensive and student-friendly understanding of the chapter. Through illustrative explanations and conceptual clarity, learners can confidently master the topic and strengthen their mathematical reasoning.

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TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS-Exercise 3.1

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November 30, 2025  |  By Academia Aeternum

PAIR OF LINEAR EQUATIONS IN TWO VARIABLES-Exercise 3.3

Maths - Exercise

Q.1 Solve the following pair of linear equations by the elimination method and the substitution method :

  1. \(x + y = 5 \text{ and } 2x – 3y = 4\)
  2. \(3x + 4y = 10 \text{ and } 2x – 2y = 2\)
  3. \(3x – 5y – 4 = 0 \text{ and } 9x = 2y + 7\)
  4. \(\frac{x}{2} + \frac{2y}{3}\text{ and } x-\frac{y}{3}=3\)

  1. \(x + y = 5 \text{ and } 2x – 3y = 4\)

    Solution:

    Given the pair of linear equations \(x + y = 5\) and \(2x - 3y = 4\), the solution is found first by the elimination method and then by the substitution method to check the result.

    By elimination method:

    The given equations are

    $$x + y = 5\tag{1}$$ $$2x - 3y = 4\tag{2}$$

    Multiply equation (1) by \(2\) to make the coefficients of \(x\) equal.

    $$ \begin{align} (x + y)\times 2 &\\\Rightarrow 2x + 2y = 10\tag{3} \end{align} $$

    Subtract equation (3) from equation (2).

    $$ \begin{aligned} 2x - 3y - (2x + 2y) &= 4 - 10\\ 2x - 3y - 2x - 2y &= -6\\ -5y &= -6\\ y &= \dfrac{6}{5} \end{aligned} $$

    Substitute \(y = \dfrac{6}{5}\) in equation (1).

    $$ \begin{aligned} x + y &= 5\\ x + \dfrac{6}{5} &= 5 \end{aligned} $$

    Multiply both sides by \(5\) to remove the denominator.

    $$ \begin{aligned} 5x + 6 &= 25\\ 5x &= 25 - 6\\ 5x &= 19\\ x &= \dfrac{19}{5} \end{aligned} $$

    Hence, by the elimination method, the solution is \(x = \dfrac{19}{5}\) and \(y = \dfrac{6}{5}\).

    Solving by substitution method

    Start again with the first equation and express \(x\) in terms of \(y\).

    $$ \begin{align} x + y &= 5\\ x &= 5 - y\tag{1} \end{align} $$ $$2x - 3y = 4\tag{2}$$

    Substitute \(x = 5 - y\) in equation (2).

    $$ \begin{aligned} 2(5 - y) - 3y &= 4\\ 10 - 2y - 3y &= 4\\ 10 - 5y &= 4\\ -5y &= 4 - 10\\ -5y &= -6\\ y &= \dfrac{6}{5} \end{aligned} $$

    Now put \(y = \dfrac{6}{5}\) back in \(x + y = 5\).

    $$ \begin{aligned} x + y &= 5\\ x + \dfrac{6}{5} &= 5 \end{aligned} $$

    Multiply both sides by \(5\).

    $$ \begin{aligned} 5x + 6 &= 25\\ 5x &= 25 - 6\\ 5x &= 19\\ x &= \dfrac{19}{5} \end{aligned} $$

    Thus, by the substitution method also, the solution of the pair of linear equations is \(x = \dfrac{19}{5}\) and \(y = \dfrac{6}{5}\), confirming the result obtained by the elimination method. [2]


  2. \(3x + 4y = 10 \text{ and } 2x – 2y = 2\)

    Solution:

    By elimination method:

    $$3x+4y=10\tag{1}$$ $$2x-2y=2y\tag{2}$$

    Multiply eqn-2 by 2

    $$\begin{align}\left( 2x-2y=2\right) \times 2\\ 4x-4y=4\tag{3}\end{align}$$

    Adding Equation-1 and equation-3

    $$\begin{aligned}\left( 3x+4y\right) +\left( 4x-4y\right) &=10+4\\ 3x+4y+4x-4y&=14\\ 7x&=14\\ x&=\dfrac{14}{7}\\ &=2\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting \(x = 2\) in equation-1

    $$\begin{aligned}3x+4y&=10\\ 3\times 2+4y&=10\\ 6+4y&=10\\ 4y&=10-6\\ 4y&=4\\ y&=\dfrac{4}{4}\\ y&=1\end{aligned}$$

    Solution by substitution Method.

    $$3x+4y=10$$ $$3x=10-4y$$ $$x=\dfrac{1}{3}\left[ 10-4y\right]\tag{1} $$ $$2x-2y=2\tag{2}$$

    substituting value of \(x\) in eqn-(2)

    $$\begin{aligned}2x-2y&=2\\ 2\times \dfrac{1}{3}\left[ 10-4y\right] -2y&=2\end{aligned}$$

    Multiplying both side by 3

    $$\begin{aligned}2\left( 10-4y\right) -6y&=6\\ 20-8y-6y&=6\\ -14y&=6-20\\ &=14\\ y&=\dfrac{14}{14}\\ &=1\end{aligned}$$

    Putting \(y = 1\) in eqn- (1)

    $$\begin{aligned}3x+4y&=10\\ 3x+4&=10\\ 3x&=10-4\\ x&=\dfrac{6}{3}\\ &=2\end{aligned}$$

  3. \(3x – 5y – 4 = 0 \text{ and } 9x = 2y + 7\)

    Solution:

    By elimination method:

    $$3x-5y-4=0\tag{1}$$ $$\begin{align}9x&=2y+7\\ \Rightarrow 9x-2y-7&=0\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Multiply equation-(1) by 3

    $$\begin{align} (3x-5y-4&=0) \times 3\\ 9x-15y-12&=0\tag{3}\end{align}$$

    Subtracting eqn-2 by equation-3

    $$\scriptsize\begin{aligned}9x-2y-7-\left( 9x-15y-12\right) &=0\\ 9x-2y-7-9x+15y+12&=0\\ 13y+5&=0\\ 13y&=-5\\ y&=\dfrac{-5}{13}\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting value of \(y\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}3x-5y-4&=0\\ 3x-5\left( \dfrac{-5}{13}\right) -4&=0\end{aligned}$$

    Multiplying both side by 13

    $$\begin{aligned} ( 3x+\dfrac{25}{13}-4&=0) \times 13\\ 39x+25-52&=0\\ 39x-27&=0\\ 39x&=27\\ x&=\dfrac{27}{39}\\ x&=\dfrac{9}{13}\\\\ \boxed{x=\dfrac{9}{13},y=-\dfrac{5}{13}}\end{aligned}$$

    Solving by substitution Method

    $$\begin{align}3x-5y-4&=0\\ 3x&=5y+4\\ x&=\dfrac{1}{3}\left[ 5y+4\right] \tag{1}\end{align}$$ $$9x=2y+7\tag{2}$$

    Substituting value of \(x\) in equation-(2)

    $$\begin{aligned}9x&=2y+7\\ 9\times \dfrac{1}{3}\left[ 5y+4\right] &=2y+7\\ 3\left( 5y+4\right) &=2y+7\\ 15y+12-2y&=7\\ 13y&=7-12\\ y&=-\dfrac{5}{13}\end{aligned}$$

    Putting value of \(y\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}3x-3y-4&=0\\ 3x-5\left( \dfrac{-5}{13}\right) -4&=0\end{aligned}$$

    Multiplying both side by 13

    $$\begin{aligned}39x+25-52&=0\\ 39x-27&=0\\ 39x&=27\\ x&=\dfrac{27}{39}\\ x&=\dfrac{9}{13}\\\\ \boxed{x=\dfrac{9}{13},\ y=-\dfrac{5}{13}}\end{aligned}$$

  4. \(\frac{x}{2} + \frac{2y}{3}\text{ and } x-\frac{y}{3}=3\)

    Solution:

    By elimination method:

    $$\dfrac{x}{2}+\dfrac{2y}{3}=-1$$

    Simplifying

    $$3x+4y=-6\tag{1}$$ $$x-\dfrac{y}{3}=3$$

    Multiplying both side by 3

    $$3x-y=9\tag{2}$$

    Subtracting equation-(1) by equation-(2)

    $$\begin{aligned}3x-y-\left( 3x+4y\right) &=9-\left( -6\right) \\ 3x-y-3x-4y&=15\\ -5y&=15\\ y&=\dfrac{15}{-5}\\ y&=-3\end{aligned}$$

    putting \(y=-3\) in equation-(1)

    $$\scriptsize\begin{aligned}3x+4y&=-6\\ 3x+4\left( -3\right) &=-6\\ 3x-12&=-6\\ 3x&=12-6\\ 3x&=6\\ x&=\dfrac{6}{3}\\ &=2\\\\ \boxed{x=2,\ y=-3}\end{aligned}$$

    Solving by substitution Method

    $$\dfrac{x}{2}+\dfrac{2y}{3}=-1$$

    Simplifying

    $$\begin{align}3x+4y=-6\\ 3x=-6-4y\\ x=\dfrac{1}{3}\left( -6-4y\right) \tag{1}\end{align}$$ $$x-\dfrac{y}{3}=3$$

    Multiplying both side by 3

    $$3x-y=9\tag{2}$$

    Substituting value of \(x\) from equation-(1) to equation-(2)

    $$\begin{aligned}3x-y&=9\\ 3\times \dfrac{1}{3}\left( -6-4y\right) -y&=9\\ -6-4y-y&=9\\ -5y&=9+6\\ -5y&=15\\ y&=-\dfrac{15}{5}\\ &=-3\end{aligned}$$

    Putting \(y =3\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}x&=\dfrac{1}{3}\left[ -6-4y\right] \\ &=\dfrac{1}{3}\left[ -6-4\times \left( -3\right) \right] \\ &=\dfrac{1}{3}\left[ -6+12\right] \\ &=\dfrac{1}{3}\times 6\\ &=2\\\\ \boxed{x=2,\ y=-3}\end{aligned}$$


Q.2 Form the pair of linear equations in the following problems, and find their solutions (if they exist) by the elimination method :

  1. If we add 1 to the numerator and subtract 1 from the denominator, a fraction reduces to 1. It becomes \(\frac{1}{2}\) if we only add 1 to the denominator. What is the fraction?

    Solution:

    Let fraction be $$\dfrac{x}{y}$$

    Adding 1 to numerator and subtracting 1 to denominator fraction reduces to 1,
    thus

    $$\begin{align}\dfrac{x+1}{y-1}&=1\\ x+1&=y-1\\ x-y&=-2\tag{1}\end{align}$$

    Fraction become \(\frac{1}{2}\) if 1 added to denominator,
    thus

    $$\begin{align}\dfrac{x}{y+1}&=\dfrac{1}{2}\\ 2x&=y+1\\ 2x-y&=1\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Subtracting equation-(2) from equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}2x-y-\left( x-y\right) &=1-\left( -2\right) \\ 2x-y-x+y&=3\\ x&=3\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting \(x = 3\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}x-y&=-2\\ 3-y&=-2\\ -y&=-2-3\\ -y&=-5\\ y&=5\\\\ \boxed{x=3,\ y=5}\end{aligned}$$ Hence, Fraction is: $$\dfrac{x}{y}=\dfrac{3}{5}$$

  2. Five years ago, Nuri was thrice as old as Sonu. Ten years later, Nuri will be twice as old as Sonu. How old are Nuri and Sonu?

    Solution:

    Let Nuri present age = \(x\)
    and Sonu present age = \(y\)
    Five year ago Nuri age = \(x-5\)
    Sonu Age = \(y-5\)
    Five years ago Nuri was thirce as old as Sonu.
    thus,

    $$\begin{align} x-5&=3\left( y-5\right) \\ x-5&=3y-15\\ x-3y&=-15+5\\ x-3y&=-10\tag{1}\end{align}$$

    10 year hence,
    Nuri age = \(x+10\)
    Sonu age = \(y+10\)
    after 10 year Nuri will be twice as old as Sonu
    thus,

    $$\begin{align} \left( x+10\right) &=2\left( y+10\right) \\ x+10&=2y+20\\ x-2y&=20-10\\ x-2y&=10\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Subtracting equation-(2) from equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned} x-3y-\left( x-2y\right) &=-10-\left( 10\right) \\ x-3y-x+2y&=-20\\ -y&=-20\\ y&=20\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting value of \(y\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned} x-3y&=-10\\ x-3\left( 20\right) &=-10\\ x-60&=-10\\ x&=60-10\\ &=50 \end{aligned}$$

    Present age of Nuri is 50 years and Sonu is 20 years.


  3. The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 9. Also, nine times this number is twice the number obtained by reversing the order of the digits. Find the number.

    Solution:

    Let first digit of two digit number is \(x\)
    and the second digit = \(y\)
    Given that the sum of digits is 9,
    thus

    $$x+y=9\tag{1}

    let two digit number be

    $$10x+y$$

    Number when digits will be reversed

    $$10y+x$$

    nine times \(10x+y\) is twice the \(10y+x\) obtained by reversing the order of the digits,
    thus

    $$\begin{align} 9\left( 10x+y\right) &=2\left( 10y+x\right) \\ 90x+9y&=20y+2x\\ 88x&=11y\\ 8x&=y\\ y&=8x\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Substituting value of \(y\) in equation

    $$\begin{align} x+y&=9\\ x+8x&=9\\ 9x&=9\\ x&=1\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Substituting (\x=1\) in equation-(2)

    $$\begin{aligned}y=8x\\ y=8\times 1\\ =8\\\\ \boxed{x=1,\ y=8}\end{aligned}$$

    Hence Number

    $$\begin{aligned}10x+y\\ 10+8\\ =18\end{aligned}$$

  4. Meena went to a bank to withdraw ₹ 2000. She asked the cashier to give her ₹ 50 and ₹ 100 notes only. Meena got 25 notes in all. Find how many notes of ₹ 50 and ₹ 100 she received.

    Solution:

    Let ₹50 notes be \(x\) and ₹100 notes be \(y\),
    then value sum of notes is:

    $$50x+100y=2000\tag{1}$$

    Total count of Notes:

    $$\begin{align}x+y&=25\\ x&=25-y\tag{2}\end{align}$$

    Substituting value of \(x\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}50x+100y&=2000\\ 50\left( 25-y\right) +100y&=2000\\ 1250-50y+100y&=2000\\ 50y&=2000-1250\\ &=750\\ 50y&=750\\ y&=\dfrac{75}{50}\\ y&=15\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting value of \(y\) in equation-2

    $$\begin{aligned}x+y&=25\\ x+15&=25\\ x&=25-15\\ x&=10\end{aligned}$$

    Hence, ₹50 notes = 10 and ₹100 notes = 15


  5. A lending library has a fixed charge for the first three days and an additional charge for each day thereafter. Saritha paid ₹ 27 for a book kept for seven days, while Susy paid ₹ 21 for the book she kept for five days. Find the fixed charge and the charge for each extra day.

    Solution:

    Let fixed charges of library for three days be \(x\)
    additional charges at the rate of \(y/\text{day}\)
    therefore, Rent for 7 days

    $$x+4y=27\tag{1}$$

    Rent for 5 days

    $$x+2y=21\tag{2}$$

    Subtracting equation-(2) from equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned}x+4y-\left( x+2y\right) &=27-21\\ x+4y-x-2y&=6\\ 2y&=6\\ y&=\dfrac{6}{2}\\ &=3\end{aligned}$$

    Substituting value of \(y\) in equation-(1)

    $$\begin{aligned} x+4y&=27\\ x+4\times 3&=27\\ x+12&=27\\ x&=27-12\\ x&=15\end{aligned}$$ $$\boxed{x=15,\ y=3}$$

    Fixed charges = ₹15 and charges for extra days is ₹3/day


Frequently Asked Questions

An equation that can be written in the form \(ax + by + c = 0\), where \(a, b, c\) are real numbers and \(a\) and \(b\) are not both zero.

Two linear equations involving the same variables \(x\) and \(y\) that are solved together to find common solutions.

\(a x + b y + c = 0\), where \(a\), \(b\), \(c\) are constants.

A pair of values \((x, y)\) that satisfies both equations simultaneously.

Two straight lines on a coordinate plane.

(i) One solution, (ii) No solution, (iii) Infinitely many solutions.

When the two lines intersect at exactly one point.

\(\frac{a_1}{a_2} \neq \frac{b_1}{b_2}\)

When the lines are parallel and never intersect.

\(\frac{a_1}{a_2} = \frac{b_1}{b_2} \neq \frac{c_1}{c_2}\)

When both equations represent the same line (coincident lines).

\(\frac{a_1}{a_2} = \frac{b_1}{b_2} = \frac{c_1}{c_2}\)

Plotting both equations as lines and finding their point of intersection.

The common solution of both equations.

A pair of equations with at least one solution (unique or infinite).

A pair of equations with no solution.

Equations representing the same line (infinitely many solutions).

Equations representing two different lines (unique solution).

Solving one equation for one variable and substituting it into the other.

Eliminating one variable by adding/subtracting appropriately modified equations.

A formulaic method using \(\frac{x}{b_1c_2 - b_2c_1} = \frac{y}{c_1a_2 - c_2a_1} = \frac{1}{a_1b_2 - a_2b_1}\).

When the denominator \(a_1b_2 - a_2b_1 \neq 0\).

A straight line representing all solutions of the equation.

The ratio of change in \(y\) to change in \(x\).

Check if the lines intersect or coincide.

\(2x + 3y = 6,; x - y = 1\).

Adding gives \(2x = 12\), so \(x = 6,; y = 4\).

From 2nd eq.: \(y = x - 1\). Substitute: \(2x + x - 1 = 7 \Rightarrow x = 8/3,; y = 5/3.\)

Profit–loss, age problems, mixture problems, speed-distance-time, cost calculations, geometry.

To determine the nature of lines and number of solutions.

Two equations solved together to find the same pair of variables.

Both lines lie on top of each other.

Rearrange terms to match \(ax + by + c = 0\).

It helps check the determinant and decide the nature of solutions.

\(D = a_1b_2 - a_2b_1\). It indicates uniqueness of solution.

Either no solution or infinitely many solutions.

One unique solution exists.

\(2x + 3y = 5\) and \(4x + 6y = 10\).

\(x + y = 5\) and \(x - y = 1\).

\(2x + 4y = 8\) and \(x + 2y = 4\).

Create equal coefficients for one variable and eliminate it.

Replace one variable with an equivalent expression.

Human drawing and scale errors may lead to approximations.

When coefficients are easily manageable to eliminate a variable.

When one variable is already isolated or easy to isolate.

Multiplying equations by constants and adding them to eliminate a variable.

At least two solution points.

Because the relationship between \(x\) and \(y\) is constant and proportional.

A pair \((x, y)\) that represents a point on a coordinate plane.

Nature of solutions, solving methods, word problems, graphing, ratio comparison.

Substitute into both equations to check if they hold true.

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Calculating cost, profit, discount, selling price, mixtures.

When their slopes are different.

Because they never meet and rise at the same rate.

Duplicate measurements or equal ratios in daily problems.

Provides quick calculation steps for board exams.

It shifts the line up/down or left/right on a graph.

No — they can have only 1, 0, or infinite solutions.

Forms the base for linear algebra, matrices, determinants, and advanced maths.

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