Solve each linear system using row reduction

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The discussion revolves around solving a linear system using row reduction, specifically the equations 3x + 3y + 3z = 3 and x + y + z = -1. Participants identify that the original system has no solution due to conflicting results when manipulating the equations. Errors in row operations are highlighted, particularly in how the second row was derived, leading to incorrect conclusions about the values of x, y, and z. The consensus is that the two planes represented by the equations are parallel and do not intersect, confirming the absence of a solution. Participants are encouraged to review row reduction techniques for clarity.
ND3G
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3x+3y+3z=3
x+y+z=-1

3 3 3 | 3
1 1 1 |-1

1 1 1 | 0
0 0 0 | 1

x = -y -z
y = 1

Substitute y into x, x = -1 -z
Let z = t, tER

Then x = -1 -t, y = 1

The corresponding vector equation of the line intersection is:

(x,y,z) = (-1, 1, 0) + t(-1, 0, 1)

Does that look right? This is my first time dealing with these.
 
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No, it isn't right. It can easily be seen that this system has no solution.

Btw, when you obtain a "solution", it is useful to plug it back into your equation. For example, for t = 0, you have (x, y, z) = (-1, 1, 0), and it can easily be seen that it doesn't satisfy the equations.
 
ND3G said:
3x+3y+3z=3
x+y+z=-1
If you divide the first equation by 3, that becomes x+ y+ z= 1! Obviously, you can't have x+ y+ z= 1 and x+ y+ z= -1 for the same x,y,z.

3 3 3 | 3
1 1 1 |-1

1 1 1 | 0
0 0 0 | 1

x = -y -z
y = 1
How did you get that first row? If you divide each number in the first row by 3, you get 1 1 1 | 1, not 1 1 1 | 0. And if you then subtract that new first row from the second row, you get 0 0 0 | -2. Of course, that is equivalent to 0x+ 0y+ 0z= -2 which is not true for any values of x, y, and z.
I don't see how you could get "y= 1". That would be 0 1 0 | 1

Substitute y into x, x = -1 -z
Let z = t, tER

Then x = -1 -t, y = 1

The corresponding vector equation of the line intersection is:

(x,y,z) = (-1, 1, 0) + t(-1, 0, 1)

Does that look right? This is my first time dealing with these.

These two planes are parallel and do not intersect.
 
3 3 3 | 3
1 1 1 |-1

3 3 3 | 3
0 0 0 | 6

1 1 1 | 1
0 0 0 | 1

1 1 1 | 0 This last part is R1 - R2
0 0 0 | 1
 
I suggest you go through your lecture notes on row reduction once again (i.e. what can be done and how can it be done) and read HallsofIvy's post once again carefully.
 
ND3G said:
3 3 3 | 3
1 1 1 |-1

3 3 3 | 3
0 0 0 | 6
I will have to ask again how you got this. In order to get "0" in the first place of the second row by a row operation, you will have "subtract 1/3 the first row from the second row so as to get 1- (1/3)(3)= 1- 1= 0. That will give 0 for the next two places also but -1- (1/3)(3= -1-1= -2 as I said before. The second row becomes 0 0 0 | -2, not 0 0 0 | 6.

1 1 1 | 1
0 0 0 | 1

1 1 1 | 0 This last part is R1 - R2
0 0 0 | 1
 
Here is what I did.

3 3 3 | 3
1 1 1 |-1

3 3 3 | 3
0 0 0 | 6 (R1-3R2) --> 3 - (-3) = 6

1 1 1 | 1 (R1/3)
0 0 0 | 1 (R2/6)

1 1 1 | 0 (R1-R2)
0 0 0 | 1

This matches exactly with the answer my TI-83 gives me.
 
Last edited:
ND3G said:
3 3 3 | 3
0 0 0 | 6 (R1-3R2) --> 3 - (-3) = 6

This isn't "row 1 - 3*row2".
 
He has replaced row 2 with "row1- 3*row2". Unfortunately that loses all the information in row1!
 

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