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If sf = 21 and sp = 14,

what are the values of s, p, and f?

 Jun 13, 2014

Best Answer 

 #2
avatar+2353 
+5

Yes, but we can define the equation which defines all solutions to this problem.

If we add both equations we have

sf+sp = 14+21

s(f+p) = 35

This is part of the surface the equation desribes.

Reinout 

 Jun 13, 2014
 #1
avatar+129852 
+5

This can't be precisely determined because we have more equations than variables.

For example .....s could be 7, p could be 3, and f could be 2

Or.....s could be 7/2 , p could be 6, and f could be 4

This will always be the case for a system when we have more variables than equations......we will have an infinite number of solutions  (I believe that this is known as an "underdetermined" system)

 Jun 13, 2014
 #2
avatar+2353 
+5
Best Answer

Yes, but we can define the equation which defines all solutions to this problem.

If we add both equations we have

sf+sp = 14+21

s(f+p) = 35

This is part of the surface the equation desribes.

Reinout 

reinout-g Jun 13, 2014

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