Expert: Richard J. Raridon - 4/26/2008

Question
Hello. You helped me about two months ago with this type of problem. I have gone round and around with this one. You're help would be greatly appreciated!
Solve the system of equations. ( solve for x,y,z )

2x + 3y +  z = -4
2x - 4y + 3z = 18
3x - 2y + 2z =  9

Answer
Decide on which variable you want to eliminate first.  It looks like z is the easiest.  Multiply the 1st. eq. by 3 to get 6x+9y+3z=-12.
Subtract that from the 2nd. eq. to get -4x-13y = 30.
Now multiply the 1st. eq. by 2 to get 4x+6y+2z = -8.  Subtract that from the 3rd. eq. to get -x-8y = 17.  
Now you have two equations, two unknowns which, I assume, you have learned how to solve.  In this case, x=-1, y=-2, z=4