[Linear Algebra] - Resolving a system

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a system of equations derived from a real-world scenario involving three truck drivers purchasing food items. The equations established are: 4s + 1c + 10d = 8.45 and 3s + 1c + 7d = 6.3, where 's' represents the cost of a sandwich, 'c' the cost of coffee, and 'd' the cost of a doughnut. The third equation, 1s + 1c + 1d = a, introduces ambiguity as 'a' is not a variable but rather the total cost for the third driver. The system is determined to have infinite solutions due to having four variables and only three equations.

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Homework Statement



Three truck drivers went into a roadside cafe. One truck driver purchased four sandwiches, a cup of coffee and ten doughnuts for $8.45. Another drivers purchased three sandwiches, a cup of coffee and seven doughnuts for $6.3. What did the third truck driver pay for a sandwich, a cup of coffee and a doughnut?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



The system's equations are:
4s + 1c + 10d = 8.45
3s + 1c + 7d = 6.3
1s + 1c + 1d = a

The system has infinite solutions, right? There are 4 variables for 3 equations. I can't determine a.
 
Last edited:
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I don't think 'a' is intended to be a variable. I believe the objective is to solve for x,y, z in terms of 'a'. Thus, 3 equations and 3 unknowns.
 
hotvette said:
I don't think 'a' is intended to be a variable. I believe the objective is to solve for x,y, z in terms of 'a'. Thus, 3 equations and 3 unknowns.

I wrote the problem wrongly on the first time, I just edited it.
 

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