Expert: Richard J. Raridon - 2/27/2005

Question
Hi, I'm in the matrices unit of my course however we have to solve for three variables using system of equations and matrices. Im having trouble solving this system of equations and help would be greatly appreciated. The three equations are as follows:
2x + y + 2z = 16
x + 3y - z = 37
4x - y + 3z = 4

Thank You.

Answer
I assume you know how to evaluate matrices and determinants.
the denominator determinant is
2 1 2
1 3 -1
4 -1 3
to solve for x, evaluate the numerator determinant
16 1 2
37 3 -1
4 -1 3
and then x = numerator/denominator
for y, put 16, 37 4 in the middle column and solve
for z, put 16 37 4 in the last column and solve