Solving a Linear equation with 3 unknown variables

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a linear equation with three unknown variables, specifically the equation 3x + 4y + 2y = 1. Participants are exploring the implications of this equation and its potential interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the variables in terms of others, leading to equations for l and m. Some participants question the correctness of the equation as written and suggest clarifying the notation used.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and questioning the clarity of the equation. There is acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the notation and structure of the equation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity in the original equation due to a possible typographical error, as participants suggest it should be 3x + 4y + 2z = 1 instead of 3x + 4y + 2y = 1. This has implications for the interpretation of the problem.

pietersandi_w
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
3x + 4y + 2y = 1

The solutions for x, y, and z is { ( (1/3-4l-2m) | 3l | 2m ) }, where y = l and z = m.

I've tried this method, presupposing y = l and m = z, then it came to

I. l = (1 - 3x -2m) / 4

II. m = (1 - 3x -4l) / 2

If I try to put in either (I) or (II) to x, it would come to the first equation.

I don't have any idea what should I do next.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
pietersandi_w said:
3x + 4y + 2y = 1

The solutions for x, y, and z is { ( (1/3-4l-2m) | 3l | 2m ) }, where y = l and z = m.

I've tried this method, presupposing y = l and m = z, then it came to

I. l = (1 - 3x -2m) / 4

II. m = (1 - 3x -4l) / 2

If I try to put in either (I) or (II) to x, it would come to the first equation.

I don't have any idea what should I do next.

Thanks.

You cannot do more, in general. The equation defines a 2-dimensional plane in three dimensions, so will have infinitely many point in it; that is, you have a region defined by two "free" variables. Assuming your equation was supposed to be 3x + 4y + 2z = 1 (you wrote 3x + 4y + 2y = 1 !)
we can just say that
z = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z)
I'm not sure whether or not you wrote this, because your use of parentheses was sloppy and so it is impossible to tell what gets divided by 3; and besides that you used some other weird notation whose meaning is unclear.
 
Ray, is your equation supposed to be
x = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z)
 
NascentOxygen said:
Ray, is your equation supposed to be
x = \frac{1}{3}\, (1-4y - 2z)

Yes. (He says, as he cringes and slaps forehead.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
18
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K