1. Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables; Applications
9.4
Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables; Applications
1. Determine whether an ordered triple is a solution for a system of equations.
2. Understand the types of solution sets for systems of three equations.
3. Solve a system of three linear equations using the elimination method.
4. Solve application problems that translate to a system of three linear equations.

2. Is (2, –1, 3) a solution of the system?
Ordered Triple
(x, y, z)
x + y + z = 4
2x – 2y – z = 3
– 4x + y + 2z = –3
2 + (–1) + 3 = 4
2(2) – 2(–1) – 3 = 3
– 4(2) + (–1) + 2(3) = –3
4 = 4
3 = 3
–3 = –3
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE
Because (2, 1, 3) satisfies all three equations in the system, it is a solution for the system.

3. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Determine if (2, –5, 3) is a solution to the given system.
a) Yes
b) No
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Slide 4- 3
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4. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Determine if (2, –5, 3) is a solution to the given system.
a) Yes
b) No
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Slide 4- 4
9.4

5. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Types of Solution Sets
A Single Solution:
If the planes intersect at a single point, that ordered triple is the solution to the system.
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6. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Types of Solution Sets
Infinite Number of Solutions: If the three planes intersect along a line, the system has an infinite number of solutions, which are the coordinates of any point along that line.
Infinite Number of Solutions: If all three graphs are the same plane, the system has an infinite number of solutions. They are the coordinates of all points in the plane.
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7. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Types of Solution Sets
No Solution: If all of the planes are parallel, the system has no solution.
No Solution: Pairs of planes also can intersect, as shown. However, because all three planes do not have a common intersection, the system has no solution.
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8. Solve the system using elimination.
(1)
(2)
(3)
We select any two of the three equations and work to get one equation in two variables.
Add equations (1) and (2):
(1)
(2)
(4)
Add to eliminate z
2x + 3y = 8

9. Use (2) and (3) to again eliminate z.
2x + 3y = (4)
*(1)
*(2)
(3)
Next, we select a different pair of equations and eliminate the same variable.
Use (2) and (3) to again eliminate z.
Multiply by 3
3x + 6y – 3z = 6
x – y + 3z = 8
4x + 5y = 14
(5)
Now solve the resulting system of equations (4) and (5).
2x + 3y = 8
(4)
4x + 5y = 14
(5)

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(1)
(2)
(3) -2
4x + 5y = 14
2x + 3y = 8
(5)
(4)
Multiply equation (4) by –2 and then add to equation (5):
Multiply by -2
–4x – 6y = –16
2x + 3y = 8
(4)
4x + 5y = 14
4x + 5y = 14
(5)
–y = –2
Substitute into either equation (4) or (5) to find x.
y = 2
To find z, substitute into any
of the original equations.
x + y + z = 6
z = 6
(1, 2, 3)
z = 3.
Ordered triple
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11. Solve the system using elimination.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Eliminate z from equations (2) and (3).
(2)
(3)
(4)
3x + 2y = 4

12. continued Eliminate z from equations (1) and (2).
3x + 2y = 4 (4)
continued
(1)
*(2)
*(3)
Eliminate z from equations (1) and (2).
Multiply by 6
15x + 15y = 15
(5)
Eliminate x from equations (4) and (5).
3x + 2y = 4
Multiply by 5
15x – 10y = 20
15x + 15y = 15
15x + 15y = 15
5y = 5
Use y = 1, to find x in equation 4.
y = 1
3x + 2y = 4
3x + 2(1) = 4
x = 2

13. continued Substitute x = 2 and y = 1 to find z. x + y + z = 2
(1)
(2)
(3)
continued
x = 2
y = 1
Substitute x = 2 and y = 1 to find z.
x + y + z = 2
2 – 1 + z = 2
1 + z = 2
z = 1
The solution is the ordered triple (2, 1, 1).

14. Solving Systems of Three Linear Equations Using Elimination
1. Write each equation in the form Ax + By+ Cz = D.
2. Eliminate one variable from one pair of equations using the elimination method.
3. If necessary, eliminate the same variable from another pair of equations.

15. continued
4. Steps 2 and 3 result in two equations with the same two variables. Solve these equations using the elimination method.
5. To find the third variable, substitute the values of the variables found in step 4 into any of the three original equations that contain the third variable.
6. Check the ordered triple in all three original equations.

16. Solve the system using elimination.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Eliminate x from equations (1) and (2).
Multiply by -2
(1)
(2)
5y  4z = 0
(4)

17. continued Eliminate x from equations (1) and (3).
*(1)
*(2)
(3)
5y 4z = 0
(4)
Eliminate x from equations (1) and (3).
Multiply by -1
5y + 4z = (5)
Eliminate y from equations (4) and (5).
5y  4z = 0
5y + 4z = 2
0 = 2
All variables are eliminated and the resulting equation is false. This system has no solution. It is inconsistent.

18. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Solve the system.
a) (–2, 2, –5)
b) (–5, 2, –2)
c) infinite number of solutions
d) no solution
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Slide 4- 18
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19. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Solve the system.
a) (–2, 2, –5)
b) (–5, 2, –2)
c) infinite number of solutions
d) no solution
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
Slide 4- 19
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