Formula

Cramer's Rule for a System of Three Linear Equations

For a system of three linear equations in standard form:

ight.$$ Cramer's Rule states that the solution $$(x, y, z)$$ can be calculated using determinants: $$x = \frac{D_x}{D}$$, $$y = \frac{D_y}{D}$$, and $$z = \frac{D_z}{D}$$ To apply this rule, evaluate the following four determinants: 1. The main determinant $$D$$ is formed using only the coefficients of the variables: $$D = \begin{vmatrix} a_1 & b_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & c_2 \\ a_3 & b_3 & c_3 \end{vmatrix}$$ 2. The determinant $$D_x$$ is formed by replacing the $$x$$-coefficients with the constants $$k_1$$, $$k_2$$, and $$k_3$$: $$D_x = \begin{vmatrix} k_1 & b_1 & c_1 \\ k_2 & b_2 & c_2 \\ k_3 & b_3 & c_3 \end{vmatrix}$$ 3. The determinant $$D_y$$ is formed by replacing the $$y$$-coefficients with the constants: $$D_y = \begin{vmatrix} a_1 & k_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & k_2 & c_2 \\ a_3 & k_3 & c_3 \end{vmatrix}$$ 4. The determinant $$D_z$$ is formed by replacing the $$z$$-coefficients with the constants: $$D_z = \begin{vmatrix} a_1 & b_1 & k_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & k_2 \\ a_3 & b_3 & k_3 \end{vmatrix}$$
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Updated 2026-05-25

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