Q.Solve the system of equations x2+y3+z10=4, x4−y6+z5=1, x6+y9−z20=2.
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Solving a System of Equations by the Matrix Method
A system of linear equations can be written as a single matrix equation and solved in one clean step using the inverse of a matrix. This is the Class-12 "matrix method" for simultaneous equations.
Writing the system as AX=B
Take the system
a1x+b1y+c1z=d1,a2x+b2y+c2z=d2,a3x+b3y+c3z=d3.
Collect the coefficients, the unknowns, and the constants into matrices:
A=a1a2a3b1b2b3c1c2c3,X=xyz,B=d1d2d3.
Then the whole system is just
AX=B.
Solving when A is invertible
If det(A)=0, then A−1 exists, and multiplying both sides on the left by A−1 gives
X=A−1B,where A−1=det(A)1adj(A).
So you compute det(A), then adj(A), form A−1, and multiply by B. The single column X=A−1B hands you x, y, z at once, and because A−1 is unique, the solution is unique.
Multiply in the correct order: X=A−1B, not BA−1. Matrix multiplication is not commutative, and BA−1 is not even defined here.
When det(A)=0
If det(A)=0, A−1 does not exist and the inverse method fails. The system is then either inconsistent (no solution) or has infinitely many solutions. Decide which by computing (adjA)B:
- (adjA)B=O → no solution (inconsistent).
- (adjA)B=O → infinitely many solutions (consistent, dependent). …
The unknowns sit in the denominators, so substitute a=x1, b=y1, c=z1 to linearize:
2a+3b+10c=4,4a−6b+5c=1,6a+9b−20c=2.
Write this as AX=B with A=2463−69105−20, B=412.
Determinant: det(A)=2(75)−3(−110)+10(72)=150+330+720=1200.
Adjoint and inverse:
adj(A)=7511072150−10007530−24,A−1=12001adj(A). …
Substituting a=x1, b=y1, c=z1 turns the system linear; writing it as AX=B and solving X=A−1B via the adjoint gives a=21, b=31, c=51, so x=2, y=3, z=5.
Why substitute
The unknowns x,y,z only ever appear as x1,y1,z1, so the system is really linear in disguise. Let a=x1, b=y1, c=z1; the system becomes
2a+3b+10c=4,4a−6b+5c=1,6a+9b−20c=2.
Now this is exactly the kind of system the matrix method is built for.
Step 1: Write as AX=B.
A=2463−69105−20,X=abc,B=412.
Step 2: Find det(A) by expanding along the first row.
det(A)=2−695−20−3465−20+1046−69
=2(120−45)−3(−80−30)+10(36+36)=2(75)−3(−110)+10(72)=150+330+720=1200.
Since det(A)=1200=0, A is invertible.
Step 3: Find the cofactors of A.
C11=+75,C12=−465−20=110,C13=+46−69=72
C21=−3910−20=150,C22=+2610−20=−100,C23=−2639=0
C31=+3−6105=75,C32=−24105=30,C33=+243−6=−24
So the cofactor matrix is 7515075110−10030720−24.
Step 4: Find adj(A) (transpose of the cofactor matrix) and A−1. …
Method: Substitution to Linearize, then Solve the System
This method handles a system where the unknowns appear only as reciprocals (1/x, 1/y, 1/z) — recognize the disguised linear system and solve it with standard elimination or the matrix method.
Steps
Step 1: Spot the reciprocal pattern
If every equation contains the unknowns only as x1,y1,z1 (never x,y,z themselves), the system is linear in the reciprocals, not in x,y,z. Rename a=x1, b=y1, c=z1.
Step 2: Rewrite as an ordinary linear system in a,b,c
a1a+b1b+c1c=d1,a2a+b2b+c2c=d2,a3a+b3b+c3c=d3
Step 3: Solve for a,b,c
Use elimination (multiply equations to cancel one variable at a time) or write the system as AX=B and solve X=A−1B via the adjoint method — whichever is faster for the given coefficients. Either route is valid; elimination is usually quicker when the coefficients are small integers with an obvious combination that cancels a variable. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting to invert back to x,y,z after solving for a,b,c
Why it's wrong: the substitution a=1/x etc. is only a tool to make the system linear — leaving the final answer as a=21,b=31,c=51 doesn't answer the question, which asks for x,y,z. Correct approach: always the last step is x=1/a, y=1/b, z=1/c — never submit the reciprocal values as the final answer.
Mistake 2: Sign errors while eliminating a variable between three equations …
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-FN1 markMCQQ.The system of equations 2x+6y=−11, 6x+20y−6z=−3, 6y−18z=−1 are (A) Inconsistent (B) Consistent with unique solution (C) Consistent with countable infinite many solutions (D) Consistent with infinitely many solutions
›Reveal solutionSolution
Eliminating x and z from the three equations produces two contradictory conditions on y−3z (15 vs −1/6), so the system is inconsistent (no solution).
Concept and Intuition
A linear system is inconsistent when the equations, after elimination, reduce to a statement that is never true (like 0= nonzero number). This happens when the coefficient matrix is singular (determinant zero) but the augmented matrix has higher rank — i.e., the planes described by the equations don't share a common point.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write the equations: (1) 2x+6y=−11; (2) 6x+20y−6z=−3; (3) 6y−18z=−1.
- Eliminate x between (1) and (2): multiply (1) by 3: 6x+18y=−33. Subtract from (2): (6x+20y−6z)−(6x+18y)=−3−(−33) ⇒2y−6z=30⇒y−3z=15. Call this Equation A.
- Now look at equation (3) directly: 6y−18z=−1. Divide by 6: y−3z=−61. Call this Equation B.
- Equations A and B both express y−3z but give different values: 15 from A, and −61 from B. Since 15=−61, no values of y,z can satisfy both simultaneously.
- This contradiction means the original system of three equations has no solution — it is inconsistent. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-AN1 markMCQQ.If the solution of the system of simultaneous equations x1+y2−z3−1=0, x2−y4+z3−1=0 and x3+y6−z6−4=0 is x=α,y=β,z=γ then α2+γ2= (A) 5β (B) β2 (C) 3β (D) 2β2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute u=1/x,v=1/y,w=1/z to reduce the system to a linear system, solve for x,y,z, then evaluate α2+γ2 against β.
Concept and Intuition
The equations are linear in 1/x,1/y,1/z even though they look nonlinear in x,y,z. Substituting turns this into a standard 3×3 linear system, easily solved by elimination.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let u=1/x, v=1/y, w=1/z. The system becomes: u+2v−3w=1 ... (1); 2u−4v+3w=1 ... (2); 3u+6v−6w=4 ... (3).
- Add (1)+(2): 3u−2v=2 ... (i).
- Compute (3)−3×(1): (3u+6v−6w)−3(u+2v−3w)=4−3⇒3w=1⇒w=31.
- Substitute w=1/3 into (1): u+2v−1=1⇒u+2v=2 ... (ii).
- Add (i)+(ii): 4u=4⇒u=1; then from (ii): 2v=1⇒v=21. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.If the solution of the system of simultaneous linear equations x+y−z=6, 3x+2y−z=5 and 2x−y−2z+3=0 is x=α,y=β,z=γ, then α+β= (A) −7 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) −2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the 3×3 linear system directly gives x=−3, y=5, z=8, so α+β=x+y=2.
Concept and Intuition
A straightforward system of 3 linear equations in 3 unknowns — eliminate one variable at a time using simple linear combinations, rather than invoking full Cramer's rule, since the numbers are small.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The equations are:
x+y−z=6(1)
3x+2y−z=5(2)
2x−y−2z=−3(3) (rewriting 2x−y−2z+3=0)
- Subtract (1) from (2): (3x+2y−z)−(x+y−z)=5−6⇒2x+y=−1 ... (4)
- From (1): z=x+y−6.
- Substitute into (3): 2x−y−2(x+y−6)=−3⇒2x−y−2x−2y+12=−3⇒−3y+12=−3⇒−3y=−15⇒y=5.
- Substitute y=5 into (4): 2x+5=−1⇒2x=−6⇒x=−3. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The number of solutions of the system of equations 2x+y−z=7, x−3y+2z=1, x+4y−3z=5 is (A) 1 (B) 0 (C) Infinite (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The coefficient determinant is 0, and substitution shows the equations are mutually contradictory — the system has no solution. Answer: (B).
Concept and Intuition
When the determinant of the coefficient matrix of a 3×3 linear system is zero, the system is NOT guaranteed a unique solution — it is either inconsistent (no solution) or has infinitely many solutions, depending on whether the equations are compatible. The way to tell them apart is to actually eliminate variables and see whether you reach a contradiction (like 0= nonzero) or a genuine identity (0=0).
Step-by-Step Solution
- System: (1) 2x+y−z=7; (2) x−3y+2z=1; (3) x+4y−3z=5.
- Coefficient determinant: 2111−34−12−3=2[(−3)(−3)−2(4)]−1[1(−3)−2(1)]+(−1)[1(4)−(−3)(1)] =2(9−8)−1(−3−2)−1(4+3)=2(1)−1(−5)−1(7)=2+5−7=0.
- Since the determinant is 0, solve by substitution to check consistency. From (2): x=1+3y−2z.
- Substitute into (1): 2(1+3y−2z)+y−z=7⇒2+6y−4z+y−z=7⇒7y−5z=5.
- Substitute into (3): (1+3y−2z)+4y−3z=5⇒1+7y−5z=5⇒7y−5z=4. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The system of linear equations x+2y+z=−3, 3x+3y−2z=−1, 2x+7y+7z=−4 has (A) infinite number of solutions (B) no solution (C) unique solution (D) finite number of solutions
›Reveal solutionSolution
Eliminating one variable reduces the system to two equations that contradict each other outright, which is the signature of an inconsistent linear system: the coefficient determinant is zero, but the system does not have infinitely many solutions — it has none.
Concept and Intuition
When the determinant of the coefficient matrix of a 3×3 linear system is zero, the system is not guaranteed a unique solution — but that alone doesn't tell you whether it has infinitely many solutions or none at all. You have to check consistency by actually trying to solve (or by comparing ranks of the coefficient matrix and the augmented matrix). A quick, reliable way for a 3-variable system is to eliminate one variable using two different pairs of equations and see if the resulting two-variable equations agree or contradict.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Equations: (1) x+2y+z=−3, (2) 3x+3y−2z=−1, (3) 2x+7y+7z=−4.
- From (1): x=−3−2y−z.
- Substitute into (2): 3(−3−2y−z)+3y−2z=−1⇒−9−6y−3z+3y−2z=−1⇒−9−3y−5z=−1⇒3y+5z=−8. Call this (A).
- Substitute into (3): 2(−3−2y−z)+7y+7z=−4⇒−6−4y−2z+7y+7z=−4⇒−6+3y+5z=−4⇒3y+5z=2. Call this (B).
- Compare (A) and (B): both say "3y+5z= something," but (A) requires it to equal −8 while (B) requires it to equal 2. These cannot both be true — a direct contradiction. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.If the solution for the system of equations x+2y−z=3, 3x−y+2z=1 and 2x−2y+3z=2 is (α,β,γ), then α2+β2+γ2= (A) 33 (B) 5 (C) 17 (D) 14
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the system gives (x,y,z) = (-1, 4, 4), so the sum of squares is 33.
Concept and Intuition
A system of three linear equations in three unknowns can be solved by systematic elimination.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Equations: (i) x+2y-z=3; (ii) 3x-y+2z=1; (iii) 2x-2y+3z=2.
- From (i): x = 3-2y+z.
- Substitute into (ii): 3(3-2y+z)-y+2z=1 -> -7y+5z=-8 -> 7y-5z=8. (iv)
- Substitute into (iii): 2(3-2y+z)-2y+3z=2 -> -6y+5z=-4 -> 6y-5z=4. (v)
- (iv)-(v): y=4.
- From (v): 6(4)-5z=4 -> z=4.
- x = 3-2(4)+4 = -1. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-AN1 markMCQQ.What are the values of (x,y,z,t) where 3[xzyt]=[x−162t]+[4z+tx+y3]=? (A) (2,4,3,1) (B) (2,4,1,3) (C) (1,3,2,4) (D) (1,3,4,2)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Equating corresponding entries on both sides of the matrix equation and solving the resulting simple linear equations gives (x,y,z,t)=(2,4,1,3).
Concept and Intuition
Two matrices are equal exactly when every corresponding entry is equal. Setting up the entry-wise equations turns a matrix equation into a small system of linear equations, which can usually be solved one variable at a time by picking the simplest equation first.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Left side: 3[xzyt]=[3x3z3y3t].
- Right side (sum of the two given matrices): [x−162t]+[4z+tx+y3]=[x+4−1+z+t6+x+y2t+3].
- Equate the (1,1) entries: 3x=x+4⇒2x=4⇒x=2.
- Equate the (2,2) entries: 3t=2t+3⇒t=3.
- Equate the (1,2) entries: 3y=6+x+y⇒2y=6+x=6+2=8⇒y=4. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-FN1 markMCQQ.If the system of simultaneous linear equations x+y−z=6, 3x−y+z=2 and x+ky+z=−8 has a unique solution x=2,y=β,z=γ then the value of k satisfies the following quadratic equation (A) x2−5x+6=0 (B) x2+x−6=0 (C) x2−x−6=0 (D) x2+x−2=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Adding the first two equations forces x=2; requiring an integer solution triple gives k=2 or k=−3, so k satisfies x2+x−6=0.
Adding the first two equations:
(x+y−z)+(3x−y+z)=6+2⇒4x=8⇒x=2.
From equation 1 with x=2: y−z=4, i.e. z=y−4.
Substitute into equation 3 (x+ky+z=−8):
2+ky+(y−4)=−8⇒y(k+1)=−6⇒y=k+1−6. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=12354−130−5, B=−1−24 and [x y z]AT=BT, then x+y+z= (A) 4 (B) −2 (C) 6 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Transposing the matrix equation converts it into the ordinary linear system A·v = B, which solves to x=6, y=−7/2, z=7/2, giving x+y+z=6.
Concept and Intuition
"[x y z]Aᵀ = Bᵀ" is a row-vector equation. Taking the transpose of both sides converts it to the more familiar column form: (v Aᵀ)ᵀ = A vᵀ, and (Bᵀ)ᵀ = B. So the equation is equivalent to A·(x,y,z)ᵀ = B, a standard system of 3 linear equations.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A = [[1,5,3],[2,4,0],[3,−1,−5]], B = (−1,−2,4)ᵀ.
- Write the system A(x,y,z)ᵀ = B:
- x + 5y + 3z = −1
- 2x + 4y = −2
- 3x − y − 5z = 4
- From equation 2: 2x+4y=−2 ⟹ x+2y=−1 ⟹ x = −1−2y.
- Substitute into equation 1: (−1−2y)+5y+3z = −1 ⟹ 3y+3z=0 ⟹ z=−y.
- Substitute x and z into equation 3: 3(−1−2y) − y − 5(−y) = 4 ⟹ −3−6y−y+5y = 4 ⟹ −3−2y=4 ⟹ y=−7/2.
- Then x = −1−2(−7/2) = 6, and z = −y = 7/2. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQQ.The number of solutions of the following system of linear homogenous equations x−y+z=0,x+2y−z=0,2x+y+3z=0 is ________ (A) 1 (B) 8 (C) Countable infinite (D) Uncountable
›Reveal solutionSolution
A homogeneous linear system has only the trivial solution when its coefficient determinant is non-zero. Answer: (A).
Concept and Intuition
For a homogeneous system Ax=0, if det(A)=0, the only solution is x=0 (a unique, single solution). If det(A)=0, infinitely many solutions exist.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Coefficient matrix: 112−1211−13.
- Expand along the first row: 1(2⋅3−(−1)⋅1)−(−1)(1⋅3−(−1)⋅2)+1(1⋅1−2⋅2).
- =1(6+1)+1(3+2)+1(1−4)=7+5−3=9. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.In solving a system of linear equations AX=B by Cramer's rule, in the usual notation, if Δ1=−11−45111−7−21 and Δ3=414111−11−45, then X= (A) −112 (B) 21−1 (C) 1−12 (D) 12−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reconstructing the coefficient matrix and RHS vector from the shared columns of Δ1,Δ3 and computing Δ,Δ1,Δ2,Δ3 gives X=(1,−1,2).
Concept and Intuition
In Cramer's rule for AX=B, Δi is formed by replacing the i-th column of A with B, keeping the other columns unchanged. So Δ1's columns 2,3 and Δ3's columns 1,2 are literally the ORIGINAL matrix A's corresponding columns — comparing the two given determinants lets us recover the full system.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Δ1=−11−45111−7−21: column 2 = original A's column 2 =(1,1,1)T; column 3 = original A's column 3 =(−7,−2,1)T; column 1 =B=(−11,−4,5)T.
- Δ3=414111−11−45: column 1 = original A's column 1 =(4,1,4)T; column 2 = same (1,1,1)T (consistent); column 3 =B=(−11,−4,5)T (matches Δ1's column 1, confirming B).
- Reconstructed system: A=414111−7−21, B=−11−45.
- Δ=det(A)=4(1⋅1−(−2)⋅1)−1(1⋅1−(−2)⋅4)+(−7)(1⋅1−1⋅4)=4(3)−1(9)−7(−3)=12−9+21=24. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.If [x4−1]210102024x4−1=0, then x= (A) −1+6 (B) 8±5 (C) −2±10 (D) 3±6
›Reveal solutionSolution
Expanding the quadratic form gives the quadratic equation x^2+4x-6=0, whose roots are -2 +/- sqrt(10).
Concept and Intuition
A quadratic form v^T M v expands into a scalar quadratic expression; here only x is unknown, so the result reduces to an ordinary quadratic equation in x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute M[x,4,−1]T: Row1: 2x+4; Row2: x−2; Row3: 8−4=4.
- Dot with [x,4,−1]: x(2x+4)+4(x−2)+(−1)(4)=2x2+4x+4x−8−4.
- Simplify: 2x2+8x−12=0.
- Divide by 2: x2+4x−6=0. …
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