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 #2
avatar+23246 
+10

If they are linear equations (no squared terms, no cubics, etc), there are seveal options. If you know how to use matrices, use them; otherwise, if you know how to use determinants, use them. If not, reduce four equations in four unknowns down to three equation in three unknowns.

Example:

3w - 4x + y - 2z = 7

w + 3x - 5y + 7z = -7

2w + 2x + 5y - 2z = 26

4w - 3z + 2y - z   = 16

Choose a variable to eliminate from all four equations. If you choose w:

Looking at equations 1 and 2:  

  3w - 4x + y - 2z  =  7                     --->    3w - 4x +   y -   2z  =  7 

w + 3x - 5y + 7z  =  -7     --->   x -3   --->   -3w - 9x + 15y - 21z  =  21

     Add down the columns:                               -13x + 16y - 23 z  =  28

Looking at equations 2 and 3:

w + 3x - 5y + 7z  =  -7     --->   x -2   --->   -2w - 6x +10y - 14z  =  14

2w + 2x + 5y - 2z = 26                        --->   2w + 2x + 5y - 2z   =  26

     Add down the columns:                                 -4x + 15y - 16z  =  40

Looking at equations 2 and 4:

w + 3x - 5y + 7z  =  -7     --->   x -4   --->   -4w - 12x + 20y - 28z  =  28

4w - 3z + 2y - z   = 16                       --->     4w - 3z +   2y -     z   = 16 

     Add down the columns:                                -15w + 22y - 29z  =  44

Putting these equations together:

      -13x + 6y - 23 z  =  28

      -4x + 15y - 16z  =  40

      -15w + 22y - 30z  =  44

Now you have three equation in three unknowns; can you solve it from here?

Jan 2, 2015
Jan 1, 2015
 #1
avatar+285 
+8

300x9%x1/3

Answer is 9

Jan 1, 2015
 #9
avatar+128577 
0

Sorry, NotTheBestMathMaster.....I didn't mean to neglect you.......you now have some "thumbs-up" and points from me....!!!

 

Jan 1, 2015

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