Chapter 9: Problem 24
Solve each system. If a system’s equations are dependent or if there is no solution, state this. $$\begin{aligned} &4 a+b+c=3,\\\ &2 a-b+c=6,\\\ &2 a+2 b-c=-9 \end{aligned}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \( a = -\frac{1}{2} \), \( b = -1 \), \( c = 6 \).
Step by step solution
01
Arrange the equations
First, let's rewrite the system of equations for clarity:\[ \begin{aligned} 4a + b + c &= 3, \ 2a - b + c &= 6, \ 2a + 2b - c &= -9 \end{aligned} \]
02
Eliminate one variable
We will eliminate one variable (e.g., \(c\)) by adding and subtracting the equations.Add the first and second equations:\[ (4a + b + c) + (2a - b + c) = 3 + 6 \]This simplifies to:\[ 6a + 2c = 9 \tag{4} \]Next, add the second and third equations:\[ (2a - b + c) + (2a + 2b - c) = 6 + (-9) \]This simplifies to:\[ 4a + b = -3 \tag{5} \]
03
Solve for one variable
Using the new equations from Step 2, we can express one variable in terms of another.From equation (5):\[ 4a + b = -3 \]Solve for \( b\):\[ b = -3 - 4a \tag{6} \]
04
Substitute back
Substitute equation (6) into equation (4):\[ 6a + 2c = 9 \]We need another equation for substitution. Let's take equation (3) and use it directly with substitution:\[ 2a + 2b - c = -9 \]Substitute \( b = -3 - 4a\):\[ 2a + 2(-3 - 4a) - c = -9 \]Simplify:\[ 2a - 6 - 8a - c = -9 \]\[ -6a - 6 - c = -9 \]\[ -6a - c = -3 \tag{7} \]
05
Solve for the second variable
Now solve equation (7) for \( c\):\[ -6a - c = -3 \]\[ c = -6a + 3 \tag{8} \]
06
Substitute the value of c
Substitute \( c = -6a + 3 \) back into equation (1):\[ 4a + b + c = 3 \]Use \( b = -3 - 4a\) and \( c = -6a + 3\):\[ 4a + (-3 - 4a) + (-6a + 3) = 3 \]Simplify:\[ 4a - 3 - 4a - 6a + 3 = 3 \]\[ -6a = 3 \]\[ a = -\frac{1}{2} \]
07
Find values of b and c
With \( a = -\frac{1}{2} \), find \( b \) and \( c \):\[ b = -3 - 4(-\frac{1}{2}) = -3 + 2 = -1 \]\[ c = -6(-\frac{1}{2}) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Dependent Equations
Dependent equations are equations that describe the same line in a graph. These equations have infinitely many solutions because every point on the line is a solution. In our given system, the equations are different and describe distinct lines. Thus, they are **not dependent**. To check this, one can transform the equations to see if they can be derived from each other through multiplication or addition and subtraction.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a common technique to solve systems of linear equations. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
- Solve one of the equations for one variable in terms of the other variables.
- Substitute this expression into the other equations.
- This reduces the system to a simpler form, often a single equation with one variable.
- Solve the simplified equation.
- Substitute back to find the values of the remaining variables.
Variable Elimination
Variable elimination involves adding or subtracting equations to eliminate one of the variables. Here's how we applied it:
- Added the first and second equations: \(4a + b + c + 2a - b + c = 3 + 6\) simplifies to \(6a + 2c = 9\) (New Equation 4).
- Added the second and third equations: \(2a - b + c + 2a + 2b - c = 6 + (-9)\) simplifies to \(4a + b = -3\) (New Equation 5).
Step-by-Step Solution
To solve systems of equations, a clear step-by-step approach ensures accuracy:
- **Step 1:** Rewrite the equations clearly for easy manipulation.
- **Step 2:** Eliminate one variable, typically using addition or subtraction of equations.
- **Step 3:** Solve for one variable using the simplified equations.
- **Step 4:** Substitute back to find the other variables.
- **Step 5:** Verify by substituting back into the original equations.