Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Determinants and Cramer's Rule
4:10 minutes
Problem 47a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 45–48, explain why the system of equations cannot be solved using Cramer's Rule. Then use Gaussian elimination to solve the system. 4x - 3y - 2z = 12 8x - 6y - 4z = 22
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify that the system of equations is composed of two equations with three variables, which means it cannot be solved using Cramer's Rule as it requires a square matrix (same number of equations as variables).
Write the augmented matrix for the system of equations: \[ \begin{bmatrix} 4 & -3 & -2 & | & 12 \\ 8 & -6 & -4 & | & 22 \end{bmatrix} \].
Perform row operations to simplify the matrix. Start by dividing the first row by 4 to make the leading coefficient 1: \[ \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -\frac{3}{4} & -\frac{1}{2} & | & 3 \\ 8 & -6 & -4 & | & 22 \end{bmatrix} \].
Subtract 8 times the first row from the second row to eliminate the x-term in the second row: \[ \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -\frac{3}{4} & -\frac{1}{2} & | & 3 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & | & -2 \end{bmatrix} \].
Interpret the resulting matrix: The second row indicates a contradiction (0 = -2), which means the system is inconsistent and has no solution.
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