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Simultaneous Linear Equations in Three Variables

1. The document discusses solving systems of linear equations in three variables using elimination methods. 2. It provides steps to eliminate variables between pairs of equations to reduce the system to two equations with two variables, which can then be solved using known methods. 3. An example problem is worked through as an illustration, arriving at the solution set {1, -2, 3}.

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izumi
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95 views

Simultaneous Linear Equations in Three Variables

1. The document discusses solving systems of linear equations in three variables using elimination methods. 2. It provides steps to eliminate variables between pairs of equations to reduce the system to two equations with two variables, which can then be solved using known methods. 3. An example problem is worked through as an illustration, arriving at the solution set {1, -2, 3}.

Uploaded by

izumi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LINEAR EQUATIONS IN THREE VARIABLES

Linear equations in more than two variables can also be solved simultaneously. A system of
linear equations has a solution set as long as there are as many as equations as the number of
variables.

Let us try to solve a system of linear equations in 3 variables. The following are the suggested
steps in solving the system. Same steps may be used in solving equations of more than 3
variables.

1. Choose a pair of equations from the 3 equations and eliminate one of the variables.
2. Select one of the same pair and the unused equation and eliminate the same variable.
3. Solve the equations resulting from steps 1 and 2 (which now involve 2 variables only)
applying the techniques learned in solving system of equations of 2 linear equations.
4. Substitute these values in one of the given equations and obtain the value of the remaining
variable.
If you want to check if you get the correct solution set, substitute the values of the
variables obtained to the other 2 given equations which they should satisfy.

Example: Solve the system of equations 2x + 3y + 4z = 8 eqn 1


3x + 2y + 3z = 8 eqn 2
5x – 4y – 2z = 7 eqn 3

1. Choosing eqn 1 and eqn 2, eliminate x by finding the difference of the equations.

2x + 3y + 4z = 8 → multiply by 3 → 6x + 9y + 12z = 24
3x + 2y + 3z = 8 → multiply by 2 → - (6x + 4y + 6z = 16)
5y + 6z = 8 Let’s call this eqn 4

2. Choosing eqn 2 and eqn 3, eliminate x by finding the difference of the equations.

3x + 2y + 3z = 8 → multiply by 5 → 15x + 10y + 15z = 40


5x – 4y - 2z = 7 → multiply by 3 → - (15x - 12y - 6z = 21)
22y + 21z = 19 Let’s call this eqn 5

3. Solve equations 4 and 5


Eliminate y first,
5y + 6z = 8 → multiply by 22 → 110y + 132z = 176
22y + 21z = 19 → multiply by 5 → - (110y + 105z = 95)
27z = 81
z = 3 → substitute in 4 or 5
In eqn 4, 5y + 6z = 8
5y + 6(3) = 8
5y = 8 – 18
5y = -10
y = -2

4. Substitute the values of y and z to any of the given equations


Using eqn 1, 2x + 3y + 4z = 8, substitute y = -2 and z = 3
2x + 3(-2) + 4(3) = 8
2x + 6 = 8
2x = 8 – 6
2x = 2
x=1

Try using eqns 2 and 3 and you should get the same value for x

∴ The solution set is { 1, -2, 3}

Try to solve this system of linear equations 2x – 3y – 4z = 8


3x – 2y – 3z = 8
2x + 2y + z = 3.

Message me your answer….

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