Solving a Linear equation with 3 unknown variables

In summary, the equation 3x + 4y + 2y = 1 has a solution set of { ( (1/3-4l-2m) | 3l | 2m ) }, where y = l and z = m. When assuming y = l and z = m, the equations l = (1 - 3x -2m) / 4 and m = (1 - 3x -4l) / 2 can be derived. However, since the original equation defines a 2-dimensional plane in three dimensions, there will be infinitely many points in the solution set. It is unclear what specific notation is being used in the equations and if there are any errors.
  • #1
pietersandi_w
3
0
3x + 4y + 2y = 1

The solutions for x, y, and z is { ( (1/3-4l-2m) | 3l | 2m ) }, where y = l and z = m.

I've tried this method, presupposing y = l and m = z, then it came to

I. l = (1 - 3x -2m) / 4

II. m = (1 - 3x -4l) / 2

If I try to put in either (I) or (II) to x, it would come to the first equation.

I don't have any idea what should I do next.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
pietersandi_w said:
3x + 4y + 2y = 1

The solutions for x, y, and z is { ( (1/3-4l-2m) | 3l | 2m ) }, where y = l and z = m.

I've tried this method, presupposing y = l and m = z, then it came to

I. l = (1 - 3x -2m) / 4

II. m = (1 - 3x -4l) / 2

If I try to put in either (I) or (II) to x, it would come to the first equation.

I don't have any idea what should I do next.

Thanks.

You cannot do more, in general. The equation defines a 2-dimensional plane in three dimensions, so will have infinitely many point in it; that is, you have a region defined by two "free" variables. Assuming your equation was supposed to be 3x + 4y + 2z = 1 (you wrote 3x + 4y + 2y = 1 !)
we can just say that
[tex] z = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z) [/tex]
I'm not sure whether or not you wrote this, because your use of parentheses was sloppy and so it is impossible to tell what gets divided by 3; and besides that you used some other weird notation whose meaning is unclear.
 
  • #3
Ray, is your equation supposed to be
[tex] x = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z) [/tex]
 
  • #4
NascentOxygen said:
Ray, is your equation supposed to be
[tex] x = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z) [/tex]

Yes. (He says, as he cringes and slaps forehead.)
 

FAQ: Solving a Linear equation with 3 unknown variables

What is a linear equation with 3 unknown variables?

A linear equation with 3 unknown variables is a mathematical expression that contains three variables (usually represented by x, y, and z) and the coefficients of each variable are only raised to the first power. The goal of solving a linear equation with 3 unknown variables is to find the values of the variables that make the equation true.

How do you solve a linear equation with 3 unknown variables?

To solve a linear equation with 3 unknown variables, you need to use a combination of algebraic techniques such as substitution, elimination, or graphing. The general approach is to isolate one variable and then use that value to solve for the other variables. This process may need to be repeated multiple times until all three variables are determined.

Can a linear equation with 3 unknown variables have more than one solution?

Yes, a linear equation with 3 unknown variables can have infinitely many solutions. This is because there are three variables and only one equation, so there are an infinite number of combinations of values that can satisfy the equation. However, there are also cases where a linear equation with 3 unknown variables has no solution.

What is the importance of solving linear equations with 3 unknown variables?

Solving linear equations with 3 unknown variables is important because it allows us to find the values of unknown quantities in real-world situations. In many scientific and engineering fields, equations with multiple unknowns are commonly used to model and predict various phenomena. Being able to solve these equations accurately is crucial for making informed decisions and solving complex problems.

How can I check if my solution to a linear equation with 3 unknown variables is correct?

You can check your solution by substituting the values of the variables into the original equation and verifying that it is a true statement. You can also use a graphing calculator to plot the equation and check if the solution lies on the line. Additionally, you can use matrices to check the solution by plugging in the values and seeing if the resulting matrix is equal to the original matrix in the equation.

Back
Top