Solve the system using row reduction: x + 2y = 7 and 3x - y = 7.
Solution
Problem
Solve the system using row reduction: x + 2y = 7 and 3x - y = 7.
Step 1: Write the augmented matrix.
The system:
x + 2y = 7
3x - y = 7
becomes:
[[1, 2, 7], [3, -1, 7]]
Step 2: Eliminate the x-entry in the second row.
Use the row operation:
R2 → R2 - 3R1
Calculate the new second row:
3 - 3(1) = 0
-1 - 3(2) = -7
7 - 3(7) = -14
The matrix becomes:
[[1, 2, 7], [0, -7, -14]]
Step 3: Make the second pivot equal to 1.
Divide row 2 by -7:
R2 → (-1/7)R2
The matrix becomes:
[[1, 2, 7], [0, 1, 2]]
Step 4: Eliminate the y-entry in row 1.
Use:
R1 → R1 - 2R2
The first row becomes:
[1, 0, 3]
So the reduced matrix is:
[[1, 0, 3], [0, 1, 2]]
Step 5: Read the solution.
x = 3
y = 2
Therefore, the solution is (3, 2).
Result
x = 3, y = 2