Example

Practice: Solving a System of Three Linear Equations Using a Matrix

Apply the matrix method to solve a system of three linear equations, such as: {3x+8y+2z=52x+5y3z=0x+2y2z=1\left\{\begin{array}{l} 3x + 8y + 2z = -5 \\ 2x + 5y - 3z = 0 \\ x + 2y - 2z = -1 \end{array}\right. First, write the augmented matrix for the system. Next, systematically apply row operations to achieve row-echelon form, ensuring the diagonal entries are 11 and the entries below them in their respective columns are 00. Once the matrix is in row-echelon form, write the corresponding system of equations. Finally, use substitution to find the remaining variables, and write the solution as an ordered triple. Always check that the solution makes the original equations true.

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Updated 2026-04-28

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