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A First Course in Linear Algebra, 2017a

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1.2. Systems of Equations, <strong>Algebra</strong>ic Procedures 13<br />

replace the second equation by (−2) times the first equation added to the second. This yields the system<br />

x + 3y + 6z = 25<br />

y + 2z = 8<br />

2y + 5z = 19<br />

(1.6)<br />

Now, replace the third equation with (−2) times the second added to the third. This yields the system<br />

x + 3y + 6z = 25<br />

y + 2z = 8<br />

z = 3<br />

(1.7)<br />

At this po<strong>in</strong>t, we can easily f<strong>in</strong>d the solution. Simply take z = 3 and substitute this back <strong>in</strong>to the previous<br />

equation to solve for y, and similarly to solve for x.<br />

The second equation is now<br />

x + 3y + 6(3)=x + 3y + 18 = 25<br />

y + 2(3)=y + 6 = 8<br />

z = 3<br />

y + 6 = 8<br />

You can see from this equation that y = 2. Therefore, we can substitute this value <strong>in</strong>to the first equation as<br />

follows:<br />

x + 3(2)+18 = 25<br />

By simplify<strong>in</strong>g this equation, we f<strong>in</strong>d that x = 1. Hence, the solution to this system is (x,y,z)=(1,2,3).<br />

This process is called back substitution.<br />

Alternatively, <strong>in</strong> 1.7 you could have cont<strong>in</strong>ued as follows. Add (−2) times the third equation to the<br />

second and then add (−6) times the second to the first. This yields<br />

x + 3y = 7<br />

y = 2<br />

z = 3<br />

Now add (−3) times the second to the first. This yields<br />

x = 1<br />

y = 2<br />

z = 3<br />

a system which has the same solution set as the orig<strong>in</strong>al system. This avoided back substitution and led<br />

to the same solution set. It is your decision which you prefer to use, as both methods lead to the correct<br />

solution, (x,y,z)=(1,2,3).<br />

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