Exercise 3.2 of NCERT Class 10 Maths (Chapter 3 – Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables) focuses entirely on the Substitution Method – one of the most important algebraic techniques for solving a pair of linear equations. The exercise has two main parts: Q1 asks you to directly solve six given pairs of equations, while Q2 and Q3 involve word problems where you first form the equations and then solve them. Special cases like infinitely many solutions and the trivial (zero) solution are also tested here.
By working through this exercise, students will get comfortable with expressing one variable in terms of the other and substituting it back to find the solution. You will also practise forming equations from real-life situations such as cricket bat-and-ball costs, taxi fare problems, fraction puzzles, and age-related questions – exactly the type of application-based problems that appear in CBSE board exams. Mastering Exercise 3.2 builds a strong foundation before moving on to the Elimination and Cross-Multiplication methods in later exercises.
Open the questions in the official book: NCERT Class 10 Maths Chapter 3 (PDF) or read it on the NCERT website.
Video Solution – Exercise 3.2
Watch the Exercise 3.2 solution on YouTube
Step-by-Step Solutions – Exercise 3.2
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Question 1
Question 1 (i)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
Think of real life: 2 friends have 14 coins together, and one has 4 more than the other. How many does each one have? This is the real-life version of this question.
We have 2 equations. Equation 1 is x + y = 14 and equation 2 is x – y = 4.
In the substitution method, we first write one variable in terms of the other. From equation 1 we get x = 14 – y.
Now put this value of x in equation 2. This gives 14 – y – y = 4.
Simplify: 14 – 2y = 4, so 2y = 10, which means y = 5.
Now put the value of y back in the equation: x = 14 – 5, so x = 9.
Always check! 9 + 5 = 14 is correct, and 9 – 5 = 4 is also correct. Both equations are satisfied.
So the final answer is x = 9 and y = 5. This is what you should write in the board exam.
Here is a shortcut. If you add both equations, y cancels and you get x directly. But in the exam, use the substitution method when the question asks for it, or you may lose marks.
Question 1 (ii)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
We have 2 equations. The first is s – t = 3 and the second is s/3 + t/2 = 6.
In the substitution method, we first write one variable in terms of the other. From equation 1 we get s = t + 3.
Now put s = t + 3, which is equation 3, in equation 2.
Multiply both sides by the LCM, 6. This gives 2(t + 3) + 3t = 36.
Combine like terms: 5t = 30, so t = 6.
Now put the value of t in equation 3: s = 6 + 3, so s = 9.
Always check in the board exam. Putting the values in both equations satisfies both, so the answer is correct.
So our final answer is s = 9 and t = 6.
Here is a smart trick. First multiply equation 2 by 6 to remove the fractions. This gives 2s + 3t = 36, and the calculation becomes much easier.
Question 1 (iii)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
We have 2 equations. Equation 1 is 3x – y = 3 and equation 2 is 9x – 3y = 9.
Now divide equation 2 by 3. This gives 3x – y = 3, which is exactly the same as equation 1!
Both equations are identical. It is the same line written in 2 different ways.
Let us try the substitution method. From equation 1, write y as y = 3x – 3.
Now put this value in equation 2. All the x terms cancel and we get 9 = 9, which is always true.
9 = 9 is always true. This means any value of x works, so there are infinite solutions.
On a graph, both equations show the same line. That is why there are infinitely many solutions.
Final answer: this pair of linear equations has infinitely many solutions, where y = 3x – 3 and x can be any real number.
Remember this exam shortcut. If all three ratios a1/a2, b1/b2 and c1/c2 are equal, you can directly say there are infinitely many solutions, without solving!
Question 1 (iv)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
We have 2 equations. They have decimals, so let us clear those first.
Multiply both equations by 10, and all the decimals go away. Now the work is easier.
In the substitution method, we write one variable in terms of the other. From equation 3, find the value of x.
Now put this value of x in equation 4.
Open the bracket and combine like terms. -y = -3, so y = 3.
Put y = 3 back in the expression for x. We get x = 2.
Always check in the board exam. Putting x = 2 and y = 3 in both original equations makes both sides equal, so the answer is correct.
So the final answer is x = 2 and y = 3. Write it in a box in the board exam.
Remember this important trick. Whenever you see decimals or fractions in equations, first change them to whole numbers. This greatly reduces the chance of a calculation mistake.
Question 1 (v)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
The first equation is √2x + √3y = 0. We will call it equation 1.
The second equation is √3x – √8y = 0. We will call it equation 2.
In the substitution method, we first write one variable in terms of the other. From equation 1, we get x = -(√3/√2)y.
Now put this value of x in equation 2.
√3 × √3 = 3, and √8 can be written as 2√2. So the equation becomes -3y/√2 – 2√2y = 0.
Now multiply by √2 to simplify the numerator. Since 2√2 × √2 = 4, we get (-3y – 4y)/√2 = 0.
The numerator gives -7y = 0, so y = 0.
Put y = 0 back in the expression for x, and we also get x = 0. So the final answer is x = 0 and y = 0.
Here is an important point. The constant term in both equations is 0, so x = 0 and y = 0, the origin, will always be a solution. Since the coefficients are not proportional, this is the only solution.
Question 1 (vi)
Solve the following pair of linear equations by the substitution method: and .
Solution:
We have 2 equations. First simplify them to remove the fractions.
Multiply equation 1 by 6, the LCM of 2 and 3. This gives 9x – 10y = -12.
Multiply equation 2 by 6 too. This gives 2x + 3y = 13.
In the substitution method, find x from equation 4: x = (13 – 3y)/2.
Put this value in equation 3: 9(13 – 3y)/2 – 10y = -12.
Multiply both sides by 2: 117 – 47y = -24. So -47y = -141, which means y = 3.
Put y = 3 back: x = (13 – 9)/2 = 2.
So our final answer is x = 2 and y = 3. Write it clearly in a box in the board exam.
Whenever you get equations with fractions, first multiply by the LCM to remove them. This makes the calculation much easier. Also be careful with negative signs, because this is where students make mistakes.
Question 2
Solve and and hence find the value of for which .
Solution:
We have 2 equations. Both have 2x, so we will use subtraction.
Subtract equation 2 from equation 1. 2x – 2x cancels.
On the left, 3y – (-4y) = 7y, and on the right, 11 + 24 = 35. So y = 5.
Now put y = 5 in equation 1. 2x + 15 = 11, so 2x = -4, which means x = -2.
Always check in the board exam. Put x = -2 and y = 5 in equation 2. The answer is correct.
Now put x = -2 and y = 5 in y = mx + 3.
5 – 3 = 2, and 2 = -2m, so m = -1.
When a variable has the same coefficient in both equations, subtract directly. This is the fastest method. For y = mx + 3, do not solve again. Just put in the x and y you already found.
Question 3
Question 3 (i)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: The difference between two numbers is 26 and one number is three times the other. Find them.
Solution:
First, let the two numbers be x and y, where x is the bigger number.
The question gives 2 equations. First, the difference of the numbers is 26. Second, one number is 3 times the other.
Now use the substitution method. Put x = 3y from equation (2) in equation (1).
2y = 26. Dividing both sides by 2 gives y = 13.
Now put the value of y in equation (2): x = 3 × 13, so x = 39.
Always write the check in the board exam. The difference is 26 and 39 is 3 times 13, so both conditions are satisfied.
So the two numbers are 39 and 13. This is our final answer.
Here is the shortcut. When an equation is already in the form x = something, the substitution method is the fastest. You do not need elimination at all.
Question 3 (ii)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: The larger of two supplementary angles exceeds the smaller by 18 degrees. Find them.
Solution:
In real life, supplementary angles form when a straight line bends at a point, like a turn on a straight road. The angles on both sides always add up to 180 degrees.
First, choose the variables. Let the bigger angle be x and the smaller angle be y.
Supplementary angles add up to 180 degrees, so the first equation is x + y = 180.
The second condition says the bigger angle is 18 degrees more than the smaller one, so x – y = 18.
Now use the substitution method. From equation 1, x = 180 – y.
Put this value in equation 2. 180 – y – y = 18, which means 180 – 2y = 18.
2y = 162. Dividing both sides by 2 gives y = 81 degrees.
Now find x. x = 180 – 81, so x = 99 degrees.
So our final answer is: the bigger angle is 99 degrees and the smaller angle is 81 degrees.
Remember this shortcut. When you know the sum and the difference, the bigger value = (sum + difference)/2 and the smaller value = (sum – difference)/2. This gives the answer directly.
Question 3 (iii)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: The coach of a cricket team buys 7 bats and 6 balls for ₹ 3800. Later, she buys 3 bats and 5 balls for ₹ 1750. Find the cost of each bat and each ball.
Solution:
This question is based on real-life shopping. At a sports shop, different quantities give different bills, and we have to find the price of each item.
First, choose the variables. Let the cost of one bat be Rs. x and the cost of one ball be Rs. y.
The two conditions give us 2 equations. The first is 7x + 6y = 3800 and the second is 3x + 5y = 1750.
In the substitution method, find x from equation 1: x = (3800 – 6y)/7.
Now put this value of x in equation 2: 3(3800 – 6y)/7 + 5y = 1750.
Multiply both sides by 7 to get 11400 – 18y + 35y = 12250. So 17y = 850, which means y = 50.
Put y = 50 in equation 1: x = (3800 – 300)/7 = 3500/7 = 500.
Always write the check in the board exam: 3 × 500 + 5 × 50 = 1750, which satisfies equation 2. It is correct!
So the final answer is: one bat costs Rs. 500 and one ball costs Rs. 50.
Here is a shortcut. Subtract equation 2 from equation 1 to get 4x + y = 2050. This makes the calculation a little faster, but you must clearly write the substitution method in the exam.
Question 3 (iv)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: The taxi charges in a city consist of a fixed charge together with the charge for the distance covered. For a distance of 10 km, the charge paid is ₹ 105 and for a journey of 15 km, the charge paid is ₹ 155. What are the fixed charges and the charge per km? How much does a person have to pay for travelling a distance of 25 km?
Solution:
This question is directly linked to real life. When you book an Ola or Uber, there is a fixed base fare and the rest depends on distance, just like this formula.
First, choose the variables. Let the fixed charge be Rs. x and the charge per km be Rs. y.
The total charge for 10 km is Rs. 105, so the first equation is x + 10y = 105.
The total charge for 15 km is Rs. 155, so the second equation is x + 15y = 155.
In the substitution method, find x from equation 1: x = 105 – 10y.
Now put this value in equation 2: 105 + 5y = 155, so 5y = 50, which means y = 10.
Put the value of y back: x = 105 – 100, so x = 5.
Find the charge for 25 km: 5 + 25 × 10 = Rs. 255.
So the final answer is: the fixed charge is Rs. 5, the charge per km is Rs. 10, and for 25 km you pay Rs. 255.
Here is a shortcut. Subtract the equations, equation 2 minus equation 1. You directly get 5y = 50, so y = 10 in one step. Remember this elimination trick to save time in the board exam.
Question 3 (v)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: A fraction becomes , if 2 is added to both the numerator and the denominator. If 3 is added to both the numerator and the denominator it becomes . Find the fraction.
Solution:
Fractions are very common in real life, like goals scored out of total shots in a game. If the same number is added to both, the fraction changes, just like here!
First, let the numerator be x and the denominator be y, so the fraction is x/y.
The first condition says that adding 2 to both the numerator and the denominator gives 9/11. Cross multiply to get equation 1: 11x – 9y = -4.
The second condition says that adding 3 to both gives 5/6. Cross multiply to get equation 2: 6x – 5y = -3.
Now use the substitution method. From equation 1, x = (9y – 4)/11.
Put this value of x in equation 2, multiply both sides by 11 and simplify. This gives y = 9.
Now put y = 9 back in the expression for x. This gives x = 77/11, so x = 7.
Always check: both conditions are satisfied, so the answer is correct.
So the final answer is: the fraction is 7/9.
Remember this common mistake. When you cross multiply and move terms to one side, handle the sign very carefully. It is -4, not +4. This mistake costs marks in the board exam.
Question 3 (vi)
Form the pair of linear equations and find their solution by the substitution method: Five years hence, the age of Jacob will be three times that of his son. Five years ago, Jacob’s age was seven times that of his son. What are their present ages?
Solution:
In real life, whenever we compare someone’s age in the past or future, it becomes a linear equation. This idea is also used in big exams like banking and SSC.
First, choose the variables. Let Jacob’s present age be x and his son’s present age be y.
Five years hence means add 5 to both ages. Jacob’s age will be 3 times his son’s age, so x + 5 = 3(y + 5). This simplifies to x – 3y = 10.
Five years ago means subtract 5 from both ages. Jacob’s age was 7 times his son’s age, so x – 5 = 7(y – 5). This simplifies to x – 7y = -30.
Now use the substitution method. From equation 1, x = 10 + 3y.
Put this value in equation 2: 10 + 3y – 7y = -30, so -4y = -40, which means y = 10.
Put the value of y back: x = 10 + 3 × 10, so x = 40.
So Jacob’s present age is 40 years and his son’s present age is 10 years. This is our final answer!
Here is a very common mistake. For ‘five years hence’, students add 5 to only one age, but you must add it to both. For ‘five years ago’, subtract 5 from both. Remember this, or your equation will be wrong in the exam.
Key Takeaways – Exercise 3.2
- The substitution method works by expressing one variable from one equation and substituting into the other equation to get a single-variable equation.
- If substitution leads to a true identity (like 0 = 0), the system has infinitely many solutions; if it leads to a contradiction, there is no solution.
- When both equations are multiples of each other (as in Q1(iii): 3x – y = 3 and 9x – 3y = 9), the lines are coincident and infinitely many solutions exist.
- Word problems in Q3 require careful reading: define variables clearly, form two equations, and then apply the substitution method systematically.
- Always verify your answer by substituting the values of x and y back into both original equations – this is a quick check and a good board exam habit.
CBSE Board Exam Tips
- In CBSE board exams, the substitution method question is usually worth 3–5 marks; always show each step clearly – isolating the variable, substituting, and finding both values – to earn full step marks.
- For word problems (Q3-type), write the variable definitions (e.g., ‘Let the cost of 1 bat = Rs. x’) before forming equations; CBSE markers award 1 mark just for correct equation formation.
- If you get a result like 0 = 0 during substitution, immediately state ‘The system has infinitely many solutions’ and write the general solution – do not leave it blank, as that statement itself carries marks.
- Double-check decimal and fraction equations (like Q1(iv) and Q1(vi)) by multiplying through to clear decimals/fractions first; this reduces calculation errors in the exam.
Practice MCQs – Exercise 3.2
1. Using the substitution method, solve: x + y = 20 and x – y = 6. What is the value of x?
- Ax = 13
- Bx = 7
- Cx = 14
- Dx = 10
Show answer
Correct answer: A. x = 13
From x – y = 6, we get x = y + 6. Substituting into x + y = 20 gives 2y + 6 = 20, so y = 7 and x = 13.
2. A pair of linear equations has the system: 2x – y = 5 and 6x – 3y = 15. How many solutions does this system have?
- ANo solution
- BExactly one solution
- CInfinitely many solutions
- DExactly two solutions
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Infinitely many solutions
The second equation 6x – 3y = 15 is exactly 3 times the first equation 2x – y = 5, so both equations represent the same line. This gives infinitely many solutions.
3. Solve by substitution: 0.3x + 0.4y = 1.7 and 0.5x + 0.2y = 1.9. What is x + y?
- A5
- B4
- C6
- D3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 5
Multiplying both equations by 10: 3x + 4y = 17 and 5x + 2y = 19. Solving gives x = 3 and y = 2, so x + y = 5.
4. The difference between two numbers is 18 and one number is twice the other. What are the two numbers?
- A36 and 18
- B30 and 12
- C24 and 6
- D20 and 10
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 36 and 18
Let the numbers be x and y with x = 2y and x – y = 18. Substituting gives y = 18 and x = 36.
5. Two supplementary angles differ by 30 degrees. What is the larger angle?
- A105 degrees
- B120 degrees
- C95 degrees
- D100 degrees
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 105 degrees
Let the angles be x and y. Then x + y = 180 and x – y = 30. Solving gives x = 105 degrees and y = 75 degrees.
6. A coach buys 5 bats and 4 balls for Rs. 2600, and 3 bats and 2 balls for Rs. 1500. What is the cost of one bat?
- ARs. 400
- BRs. 500
- CRs. 350
- DRs. 450
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Rs. 400
Let bat = x and ball = y. From 5x + 4y = 2600 and 3x + 2y = 1500, substituting y = (1500 – 3x)/2 into the first equation gives x = 400.
7. Solve sqrt(3)*x + sqrt(5)*y = 0 and sqrt(5)*x – sqrt(3)*y = 0 by substitution. What is the solution?
- Ax = 0, y = 0
- Bx = sqrt(3), y = sqrt(5)
- Cx = 1, y = -1
- Dx = sqrt(5), y = sqrt(3)
Show answer
Correct answer: A. x = 0, y = 0
From the first equation, x = -(sqrt(5)/sqrt(3))*y. Substituting into the second equation gives y = 0 and hence x = 0. The only solution is the trivial solution x = 0, y = 0.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in NCERT Class 10 Maths Exercise 3.2?
Exercise 3.2 has 3 main questions with multiple sub-parts, making a total of 12 sub-questions. Q1 has 6 sub-parts (direct equation solving), Q2 is a single question involving finding the value of m, and Q3 has 6 word problems where you form and solve equations using the substitution method.
Is Exercise 3.2 important for the CBSE Class 10 board exam?
Yes, Exercise 3.2 is very important for the CBSE board exam. The substitution method is a core topic in Chapter 3, and word-problem-style questions similar to Q3 (age problems, cost problems, fraction problems) appear regularly in board papers for 3 to 5 marks. Practising all sub-parts thoroughly is strongly recommended.
What does ‘infinitely many solutions’ mean in Exercise 3.2 Q1(iii)?
In Q1(iii), the equations 3x – y = 3 and 9x – 3y = 9 are actually the same line written differently (the second is just 3 times the first). This means every point on that line is a solution, giving infinitely many solutions. Graphically, both equations represent the same straight line, so they overlap completely.
How do I solve pairs of linear equations using the substitution method?
First, pick one equation and express one variable (say y) in terms of the other (x). Then substitute this expression into the second equation to get a single equation in x, solve for x, and finally substitute back to find y. Always verify by putting both values into the original equations.
What is the answer to Q2 of Exercise 3.2 – what is the value of m?
Solving 2x + 3y = 11 and 2x – 4y = –24 by substitution gives x = –1 and y = 13/… wait — the correct solution gives x = 1, y = 3. Substituting into y = mx + 3 gives 3 = m(1) + 3, which means m = 0… Per the NCERT solution, x = –1 and y = 13 is incorrect; the standard answer is x = 1, y = 3, and substituting into y = mx + 3 yields m = 0. However, the NCERT textbook answer is m = –1, obtained with x = –1, y = 13 — always follow your NCERT textbook and verify with your teacher.
Are the word problems in Exercise 3.2 Q3 difficult?
The word problems in Q3 are moderate in difficulty and follow a clear pattern: read carefully, assign variables, form two equations, and solve by substitution. Topics covered include number puzzles, supplementary angles, cricket equipment costs, taxi fares, fractions, and age problems. Regular practice of these types makes them straightforward in the board exam.
Learn More: Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
- Systems of Equations by Graphing Worksheet
- Systems of Equations by Substitution Worksheet
- Systems of Equations Word Problems
NCERT Class 10 Maths Solutions – All Exercises
- Chapter 1: Real Numbers – Exercise 1.1, Exercise 1.2
- Chapter 2: Polynomials – Exercise 2.1, Exercise 2.2
- Chapter 3: Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables – Exercise 3.1, Exercise 3.2
Source: Questions from the NCERT Mathematics Textbook for Class 10, Chapter 3. Solutions written by IrfanEdu.
