Is it possible to solve such a system of equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solvability of a system of equations used in a professional context. Participants explore the implications of the equations, their compatibility, and potential methods for finding solutions, with a focus on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the original system of equations has no solution due to incompatibility between equations 1 and 3, as they yield conflicting results when simplified.
  • Another participant suggests that if equation 3 is adjusted to 552.52, it becomes redundant, leading to a system with more unknowns than equations, which complicates finding a unique solution.
  • There is a proposal to assume a known value for one variable (e.g., x1 = 0.123) to derive values for the other variables, leading to specific calculations for x, y, and z.
  • A later reply indicates that if z is fixed at 15, the equations can be rewritten, allowing for further calculations to estimate the values of x and y.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity about solving a revised system of equations with four unknowns, questioning the applicability of matrix methods for this scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the original equations present challenges in finding a solution, particularly due to the redundancy and incompatibility of certain equations. However, there is no consensus on a definitive method for solving the revised equations with four unknowns, and multiple approaches are discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions made about the variables and the dependency on specific values, which affect the solvability of the equations. The mathematical steps and reasoning presented are not universally accepted as conclusive.

zrs
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Hi,

Is it possible to solve such an equation used as a must at my job?

1- x + y + z + ((x + y + z) * x1)= 276.26
2- x + 1,5y + z + ((x + 1,5y + z) * x1)= 327.35
3- 2x + 2y + 2z + ((2x + 2y + 2z) * x1)= 553
4- 3x + 2y + 2z + ((3x + 2y + 2z) * x1)= 709.74

The figures depending the equation above are:

1- 140 + 91 + 15 + ((140 + 91 + 15) * 0.123)= 276.26
2- 140 + 136.50 + 15 + ((140 + 136.50 + 15) * 0.123= 327.35
3- 280 + 182 + 30 + ((280 + 182 + 30) * 0.123)= 552.52
4- 420 + 182 + 30 + ((420 + 182 + 30) * 0.123)= 709.74

Thanks for your kindest help, very appreciated
 
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Re: Possible to solve such an equation?

There is no solution.

For starters, note that each equation factors. For example: (x + y + z)(1 + x1) = 276.26

Also note that the third equation becomes: 2(x + y + z)(1 + x1) = 553, so we know that (x + y + z)(1 + x1) = 553/2.

We are looking at the two equations:
(x + y + z)(1 + x1) = 276.26
(x + y + z)(1 + x1) = 553/2

Looking at this note that the LHS of each equation is equal. But on the RHS we need 553/2 = 276 in both equations, which is not true. So the system cannot be solved.

-Dan
 
Re: Possible to solve such an equation?

zrs said:
Hi,

Is it possible to solve such an equation used as a must at my job?

1- x + y + z + ((x + y + z) * x1)= 276.26
2- x + 1,5y + z + ((x + 1,5y + z) * x1)= 327.35
3- 2x + 2y + 2z + ((2x + 2y + 2z) * x1)= 553
4- 3x + 2y + 2z + ((3x + 2y + 2z) * x1)= 709.74

The figures depending the equation above are:

1- 140 + 91 + 15 + ((140 + 91 + 15) * 0.123)= 276.26
2- 140 + 136.50 + 15 + ((140 + 136.50 + 15) * 0.123= 327.35
3- 280 + 182 + 30 + ((280 + 182 + 30) * 0.123)= 552.52
4- 420 + 182 + 30 + ((420 + 182 + 30) * 0.123)= 709.74

Thanks for your kindest help, very appreciated
As topsquark points out, equations 1. and 3. are incompatible as they stand. But suppose we change the constant on the right side of equation 3. from 553 to 552.52. Then equation 3. is exactly twice equation 1. So 3. is then redundant (it only tells us what we already knew from 1.). We can therefore jettison 3., but then we are left with only three equations for the four unknowns $x,y,z$ and $x_1$.

You can't expect to get a unique solution for a system where there are more unknowns than equations. But suppose that we already knew the value of one of the unknowns. You can then use that information to solve for the other three unknowns. For example, suppose we knew that $x_1 = 0.123$. I prefer to write $w = 1+x_1 = 1.123$, because then we can write equations 1, 2 and 4 as

$1.\quad w(x+y+z) = 276.26,$
$2.\quad w(x+1.5y+z) = 327.35,$
$4.\quad w(1.5x+y+z) = 354.87.$

If you now subtract 1. from 2. you get $\frac12wy = 51.09$, so that $wy = 102.18.$

Similarly, subtract 1. from 4., getting $\frac12wx = 78.61$, so that $wx = 157.22.$

Then substitute those values into 1., and you find that $wz = 16.86.$

Now, if you use the value $w = 1.123$ to divide those three results by $w$, then you come up with the solutions $x = 140$, $y = 90.98$ and $z = 15.01$, which are very close to those that you quote as the desired solution.
 
Last edited:
Re: Possible to solve such an equation?

Thanks for both replies really very helpful but sorry for my mistake in #3 had to be 552.52 instead of 553.

You are right that #3 is double of #1 and redundant as you stated.

The only estimation can be made for z = 15 but rest are always unpredictable. If I rewrite the equation with considered value of 15 as in below within "opalg" advises, how can be the calculation of equation? I am not good at mathematics and apologize for my weird questions.

w(x + y + 15)= 276.26
w(x + 1.5y + 15)= 327.35
w(1.5x + y + 15)= 354.87

Regards
 
Re: Possible to solve such an equation?

zrs said:
The only estimation can be made for z = 15 but rest are always unpredictable. If I rewrite the equation with considered value of 15 as in below within "opalg" advises, how can be the calculation of equation? I am not good at mathematics and apologize for my weird questions.

w(x + y + 15)= 276.26
w(x + 1.5y + 15)= 327.35
w(1.5x + y + 15)= 354.87
Solving those equations as in my previous comment, you get $wx = 157.22$, $wy = 102.18$ and $wz = 16.86$. (I had a different value for $wz$, but that was a typo that I have since corrected.)

If you know that $z = 15$ then the equation for $wz$ becomes $15w = 16.86$. This tells you that $w = \frac{16.86}{15} = 1.124$. Put that into the other two equations and you get $x = 139.875$, $y = 90.907$ (almost exactly what you had before).
 
Re: Possible to solve such an equation?

Thanks indeed really resqued me from a very big headache.

This is good enough but wonder your thought to solve the revised equation below with 4 unknowns. I checked some 4 unknowns equations on internet solved with matris process and curious to learn the applicability of the same process or another to this one.

1- w(x + y + z)= 276.26
2- w(x + 1.5y + z)= 327.35
3- w(1.5x + y + z)= 354.87
4- w(2x + 1.5y + z)= 484.57

Sincerely
 

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