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A First Course in Linear Algebra, 2017a

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1.1. Systems of Equations, Geometry 5<br />

Consider the first picture above. While all three l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>tersect with one another, there is no common<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t of <strong>in</strong>tersection where all three l<strong>in</strong>es meet at one po<strong>in</strong>t. Hence, there is no solution to the three<br />

equations. Remember, a solution is a po<strong>in</strong>t (x,y) which satisfies all three equations. In the case of the<br />

second picture, the l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>tersect at a common po<strong>in</strong>t. This means that there is one solution to the three<br />

equations whose graphs are the given l<strong>in</strong>es. You should take a moment now to draw the graph of a system<br />

which results <strong>in</strong> three parallel l<strong>in</strong>es. Next, try the graph of three identical l<strong>in</strong>es. Which type of solution is<br />

represented <strong>in</strong> each of these graphs?<br />

We have now considered the graphical solutions of systems of two equations <strong>in</strong> two variables, as well<br />

as three equations <strong>in</strong> two variables. However, there is no reason to limit our <strong>in</strong>vestigation to equations <strong>in</strong><br />

two variables. We will now consider equations <strong>in</strong> three variables.<br />

You may recall that equations <strong>in</strong> three variables, such as 2x + 4y − 5z = 8, form a plane. Above, we<br />

were look<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>in</strong>tersections of l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> order to identify any possible solutions. When graphically solv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

systems of equations <strong>in</strong> three variables, we look for <strong>in</strong>tersections of planes. These po<strong>in</strong>ts of <strong>in</strong>tersection<br />

give the (x,y,z) that satisfy all the equations <strong>in</strong> the system. What types of solutions are possible when<br />

work<strong>in</strong>g with three variables? Consider the follow<strong>in</strong>g picture <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g two planes, which are given by<br />

two equations <strong>in</strong> three variables.<br />

Notice how these two planes <strong>in</strong>tersect <strong>in</strong> a l<strong>in</strong>e. This means that the po<strong>in</strong>ts (x,y,z) on this l<strong>in</strong>e satisfy<br />

both equations <strong>in</strong> the system. S<strong>in</strong>ce the l<strong>in</strong>e conta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong>itely many po<strong>in</strong>ts, this system has <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong>itely<br />

many solutions.<br />

It could also happen that the two planes fail to <strong>in</strong>tersect. However, is it possible to have two planes<br />

<strong>in</strong>tersect at a s<strong>in</strong>gle po<strong>in</strong>t? Take a moment to attempt draw<strong>in</strong>g this situation, and conv<strong>in</strong>ce yourself that it<br />

is not possible! This means that when we have only two equations <strong>in</strong> three variables, there is no way to<br />

have a unique solution! Hence, the types of solutions possible for two equations <strong>in</strong> three variables are no<br />

solution or <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong>itely many solutions.<br />

Now imag<strong>in</strong>e add<strong>in</strong>g a third plane. In other words, consider three equations <strong>in</strong> three variables. What<br />

types of solutions are now possible? Consider the follow<strong>in</strong>g diagram.<br />

New Plane<br />

✠<br />

In this diagram, there is no po<strong>in</strong>t which lies <strong>in</strong> all three planes. There is no <strong>in</strong>tersection between all

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