NRICH - Matchless

Simultaneous Equations
Key Stages: 3 and 4 ★★

Can you find the values of x and y that make the five expressions shown all equal in value?

Encounters with simultaneous equations can become over-familiar, routine experiences for students. This type of problem causes a "stop and think" moment, requires some problem-solving ingenuity, and leads into a consideration of redundancy of information. Students might make a start by substituting some arbitrary x, y values to get a feel for the problem and to grasp that the five expressions don't generally take the same value.

This resource has comprehensive teachers' notes and resources, linked from the problem page. This includes possible approaches and key questions, as well as possible support and extensions.


The file attached is a HTML file, which, when opened, automatically redirects you to the problem on the NRICH website.