Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations Using Algebraic Methods

Question

A computer animation shows a cat moving in a straight line. Its height, a metres, above the ground, is given by 8s-3h=-9 where s is the time in seconds after it starts moving. In the same animation, a mouse starts to move at the same time as the cat and its movement is given by -29s+10h=16 Find the height above the ground and the time when the cat meets the mouse.

Answer 1

8s -3h =-9

-29s +10h =16

multiply 1st equation by 10, 2nd by 3, then add to eliminate h, solve for s

80s -30h =-90

-87s +30h = 48

-7s = -42

s = 6 seconds

h = (8(6)+9)/3= 57/3= 19 meters

check the answers

8(6)-3(19)= 48-57= -9

-29(6)+10(19) = -174 +190 = 16