[Linear Algebra] - Resolving a system

In summary, three truck drivers went into a roadside cafe and made purchases. One driver spent $8.45 on four sandwiches, a cup of coffee, and ten doughnuts, while another spent $6.30 on three sandwiches, a cup of coffee, and seven doughnuts. The third driver's cost for a sandwich, a cup of coffee, and a doughnut is unknown. By setting up a system of equations, it is possible to solve for the unknown variable and determine the cost.
  • #1
Tosh5457
134
28

Homework Statement



Three truck drivers went into a roadside cafe. One truck driver purchased four sandwiches, a cup of coffee and ten doughnuts for $8.45. Another drivers purchased three sandwiches, a cup of coffee and seven doughnuts for $6.3. What did the third truck driver pay for a sandwich, a cup of coffee and a doughnut?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The system's equations are:
4s + 1c + 10d = 8.45
3s + 1c + 7d = 6.3
1s + 1c + 1d = a

The system has infinite solutions, right? There are 4 variables for 3 equations. I can't determine a.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I don't think 'a' is intended to be a variable. I believe the objective is to solve for x,y, z in terms of 'a'. Thus, 3 equations and 3 unknowns.
 
  • #3
hotvette said:
I don't think 'a' is intended to be a variable. I believe the objective is to solve for x,y, z in terms of 'a'. Thus, 3 equations and 3 unknowns.

I wrote the problem wrongly on the first time, I just edited it.
 

FAQ: [Linear Algebra] - Resolving a system

What is a system of linear equations?

A system of linear equations is a set of two or more equations with the same variables. The solution to the system is the set of values that make all of the equations true.

What is the process for solving a system of linear equations?

The process for solving a system of linear equations involves finding the values of the variables that make all of the equations true. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as elimination, substitution, or matrix operations.

What is the difference between consistent and inconsistent systems?

A consistent system of linear equations has at least one solution, meaning the lines or planes represented by the equations intersect at one point. An inconsistent system has no solutions, meaning the lines or planes are parallel and do not intersect.

What is the significance of the determinant in solving a system of linear equations?

The determinant is a value that is associated with a square matrix and is used to determine if a system of linear equations has one unique solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions. It is calculated using a specific formula involving the coefficients of the equations.

Can a system of linear equations have more than one solution?

Yes, a system of linear equations can have infinitely many solutions if the equations are equivalent, meaning they represent the same line or plane. This is often the case when there are fewer equations than variables in the system.

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