Module 85

MATRIX. ALGEBRA
Lesson 4
soLWM EQUATTONb rN THREE VARTABLES

OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

' Find the solution set of a system of equation in three variables using
elimination method

KEY CONCEPT

. Elinrination tulethod is one way of solving for the values of systerns of

equations with three variables.

PRETEST

Solve.

(1) 2x+ y- z= 2 (21 x+32=-8 (3) 3x- y+2 =$

3x+2y+32= '|.7 3x-2Y= g X+ y+22=4
5x- Y+2z= 15 4y+52- 4 x+2y+z =Q,

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,INTRODUCTION

lesson will help us solve for the values of the unknowns

of systems of equatici::.:
with 3 variables using elimination method.

LESSON PROPER

ln your previous Mathematics subjects specifically Elementary and

lntermediate 'Algebra, you were taught to sotve for the
unknowns using three
different methods and they are the :
qraphino method. substitution method
and eti mi n ation n rcthod_.

You were successful in looking and revealing the hidden vatues

of linear
systems of equations with 2 variables. Now, we will leam
a similar skill but with
an additional var:iable, the 3'd variable w'hich is commonly represented
by the
letter z' You have mastered solving for x and y using the different
methods
enumerated earlier so now, I formally introduce our new friend,
Z. ln this"lesson,
all 3 variables are the main characters, they are usuaily
denoted by x, y and z.
we will choose only elimination method this time but will still do
the double.
checking process before ending each solution.

Euampte 1:

So/ve for the system:

x+2y=-1
'2x- y = 5

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 oops! Yes, I know that you are wondering why I gave you a system of
equations with onty 2 variables. Don't worry, this example is just a review, I just
want to make sure that you remember the con,i;ept of elimination method.

+ The concept of elimination method is ac'tually based on its root rvor-d

"eliminate." We are expected to eliminate each variabte one at a time to be
able to solve for the remaining variables. Take note that we have 2 variables this
time and later 3 variables. Variables can not be solved at the same time. We
need to eliminate one (for ex. x) then solve for what is lefl (for ex. y). But how do
we perform the elimination method?
,Recalling the addition law which states that
any number when added fo ds additive inverse wiil be equat to zero!

What;s art "additive inverse?n

Take a look at the following examples.

Given: Additive lnverse:

4x -4x
5b -5b
-a a
-2m 2m
16j -16j

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 Lef's try to add them:

4x+1-4x)- 4x-4x =$
5b+1-5b)= 5b-5b -0
-a +(a) = -a+a =Q
-2m + (2m) = -2m + 2m =Q
16j=1-16j)= 16j - 16j =S

+ Again, any term when added to its additive inverse (term with an opposite
sign) will be equal to 0, therefore if that happens, the term is eliminated.

Let me give you a step by step procedure in solving systems of

equations wifrt variables:

1) Arrange your,equations into the form: c or

ax + by = (2 variables)
ax+ $Y+ cz= d (3 variables)

2) Mark vour arranged equations as equations O, @ and @.

3) ldentifo a, b and c to evaluate which among the variables is easiest to
eliminate first.

4) Eliminate the first variable, mark the new equation as equaiion # @ and
*@. tafe note that in eliminating your first variable, you should use all
three original equations. :

5) Again, evaluate the numerical coefficients of the remaining variables,

identify vvhich possesses the simplest.

6) Eliminate your second variable, at this point, you should be sotving for
your first value.

7) Substitute that first value to any of the new equations (4 or 5) and solve for
the second value.

8) Finally, solve for the third value by substituting the 1d and the 2nd to any of
the original equations, and write your answers as a set (x, y, z).

e) Substitute all values to all original equations and check if it will satisfy the
systems.

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Now, let's go back to the given sysfems of equation:

x+ 2y = -1

-2x- Y= 5

STEP 1: Follow the form: €x + by = c

x+2y=-1
-2x- Y= 5

STEP 2: O x+2:y= -1
@ :Zx+-y- s

STEP 3: a= 1 b=2
a= -2 b=-1

STEP 4: I choose x te be eliminated first so I need to add a term and its

additive inverse.

@ -*-y =5
O g+2y=-1)2-> multiply equation O Uy 2 to have an
additive inverse of x on equation @

O =-2
*4*4y
@ &- y=5 now that we have two terms of x with
opposite signs, we can now eliminate
J, =, it.
STEP 7:
T3
E:t

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STEP 8: O x+zy =-l
x+2(1)=-t
x+2 =-l
x= -1-2

STEP 9: ( -3 , 1)

srEPlo: O x+2Y =-l @ -2x'Y =$

-3+2(1)= -t -2C3)-(1)= S
-3+2 = -'l 6-1= 5

-1= -1 5=5

Here's another example of equation with 2 variables.

Examole 2 Solve:

-3x + y--5
x'4Y=29

STEP 1: ax+by=c

STEP 2: o -3x+y=-5

a) x--4Y =29

STEP 3: a=-3 b= 1

a= 1 b=4

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 STEP 4: I choose y to be eliminated first.

o (-3x +. Y = -5) -> multiply equation O Uy a

@ x-4fi = 20

STEP 6:

STEP 7: O X-4y=29
0-4Y=29
-4Y=20-o
4Y =20
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t---
lv=-5 I

STEP 8: (0,5)

STEP 9:
O -3x+y =-g @ x'4Y =2O
-3 (0) + (-5) = -$ 0-4(5) =20
0-5 =-$ o+20 =20

This time, let's go to our main topic.

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 Solve for three variables:

Examole 3 2x+ y-32=7

x- Y+52=-11
-2x+2y-z =4

ax+by+cz=d
2x+ y -32=7
x- y+52=-11
-2x+ 2y - z =4

f"*@l o X.+y-32=7
*@ x- y +52= -11
@ -2x+ 2y'Z= 4

a=2 b=1 c=-3 d=7

a= 1 b=-1 c=5 d=-11
a= -2 b=2 c=-1 d= 4

F=t @l r choose y to eriminate first using equation, o ano @.

o + -32= 7
2)t<

@ x- + 5z= -11
@ + ?2.= 4

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 Take note to use all 3 original equations to eliminate your first variable.

@ -2x + 2y
-z= 4
@ (x-y*52=-11)Z-> multiply equation @ Oy Z.

I .r=r o-l o
(D
-rl,.
lt
zJ -z =q
4x - z{ +toz = -zz

@}=-''t
\= e

STEP @ i because we were able to eliminate

2 variables at the same time,
we revealed our 1d value which is
z= -2.

l'*,ol @ 3x+22=4
3x+2(-2)=4
3x-4=4
3x= 4+4
\x=o
fT
E
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 @ X-y+52=-11
0-y+5(-2)=-11
0-y-10=-11
_y=_11+0+10
-1 (-Y = -1) -1 *multiply both sides by -1

(x, y,.z)
(0,1,-2)

I tr* o-l
--o 2X+Y -32=7
1-3(-2)=r
2(0) +

0+'1 +6=7 -2s<+ 2y

-z= 4
7 =7 -2(0)+2(1)-(-2)=4
O+2+2=4
@ x-y + 5Z= -11 4=4
0-1+5(-2)=-11
0-1-10=-11
-11 = -11

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Example 4:

3y+x=4+z
4x+22=y-16
-22+y =2x+ 10

ax+bY*ce=d
x+3y-z-- 4
4x- y +22= -16
- 2x+ y -22= 10

l.r.rolo x+3y-z=4
@ 4x-y + 2z= -16
@ -*+y-22=10

a=1 b=3 c=-1 d=4

a=4 b=-1 c=2 d=-16
a=-2 b=1 c= -2 d=10

I chose to eliminate z first.

@ 4x - y/+ 21= -1A

@ -u *,{ - /2. = to -r> fortunately, w€ were able to

k
\
=€
2
eliminate two variables at the
same time enabling us to solve for
the first value.

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 Lef's go back to:

l-rr=r @l o (x+3y-z=4)2-> multiply equation O Uy Z.

o 4x-y + 2/= -1A
o 2x + 6y -rt2=A
@ 6x+5y=-8

Now, substitute the firct value to equation @

t'r* @l o 6x+5y=-8
6(-3)+5y=-8
'18+5y=-8
-18+5y=-8
5y=-g+13
\=,0

E\5

t r=r, I o x+3y-z=4
-3+3 (2)-z=4
-3 + 6
-z= 4
-z=4+3-6
-1(-z=1)-1

(x,y , z)
(-3,2,-1)

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F='CI lo x+3y-z=4
-3 + 3(2) - C1)= +
-3+6+1=4
4 =Q,
@ 4x-Y + 2z= -16
4(-3) -2 + 2(-1) = -16
-12-2-2 = -'16
-16=-16
o -2x+y-22=10
-2(-3)+2-2(-1)=10
6+2+ 2=10
10=10

lf you believe that you can now sclve a problem on your own, try the next
system, if not, try to understand the discussion better.

Example 5
2x- y=-32+8
x+3y=-5+32
z-2y = x+1

final answer: (1,0,21

? What if one term is missing?

ex. 5x+z=4
ans. 5x+0y+x=4

" Supply misslng terms by affixing 0 as its numerical coefficient "

4A
x+ 2z=5 2x+ y-z=2
2x-y + z= 3 x-2y+z=5
x+y-z=0 -x+2y-z=1

@ X+Y+z=2
2x+y-z=-1
x+ 2z=5

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POSTTEST

o 2L+a-3i=3
31-+4i =-10
5a -2i'= 22

@ 3j- z= 13
2u + 3z= -12

3i + u= 9

@ m+3k=-8
3m-2Y= 0
4y+5k=4

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 Raymond A., et al. 2002. cotlege Algebra with Trigonometry. Boston:
iBarnett, Mccraw-nill.
Allan, et al. 2001. AduanredAlgebra. Massachusetb: prentice Hail.

olivia N., et al. 2003. Aduanced Algebra with Trigonomety and Statistrs.
Philippines: Salesiana Publications, Inc.

Bettye c., et ak 1993. Algebra 2 wrth Trigonometry. New Jersey: prentice

Hall Mathematics.

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