Use Cramer's rule to solve each system of equations. If D = 0, then use another method to determine the solution set. See Examples 5–7. x + 2y + 3z = 4 4x + 3y + 2z = 1 -x - 2y - 3z = 0
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Write the system of equations in matrix form as \(A\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{b}\), where \(A\) is the coefficient matrix, \(\mathbf{x}\) is the column vector of variables, and \(\mathbf{b}\) is the constants vector. For this system, \(A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 4 & 3 & 2 \\ -1 & -2 & -3 \end{bmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{b} = \begin{bmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix}\).
Calculate the determinant of the coefficient matrix \(D = \det(A)\). This will tell us if Cramer's rule can be applied. If \(D \neq 0\), the system has a unique solution; if \(D = 0\), we need to use another method.
If \(D \neq 0\), find the determinants \(D_x\), \(D_y\), and \(D_z\) by replacing the respective columns of \(A\) with the vector \(\mathbf{b}\). Specifically, \(D_x\) is the determinant of the matrix formed by replacing the first column of \(A\) with \(\mathbf{b}\), \(D_y\) replaces the second column, and \(D_z\) replaces the third column.
Use Cramer's rule formulas to find the variables: \(x = \frac{D_x}{D}\), \(y = \frac{D_y}{D}\), and \(z = \frac{D_z}{D}\). This gives the unique solution to the system.
If \(D = 0\), the system may have infinitely many solutions or no solution. In that case, use another method such as substitution or elimination to analyze the system further and determine the solution set.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cramer's Rule
Cramer's Rule is a method for solving systems of linear equations using determinants. It applies when the coefficient matrix has a nonzero determinant (D ≠ 0). Each variable is found by replacing the corresponding column in the coefficient matrix with the constants vector and calculating the determinant ratio.
The determinant of the coefficient matrix indicates whether a unique solution exists. If the determinant (D) is zero, the system may have infinitely many solutions or no solution. Understanding how to compute and interpret the determinant is essential for choosing the correct solving method.
Alternative Methods for Solving Systems When D = 0
When the determinant is zero, Cramer's Rule cannot be used. Alternative methods include substitution, elimination, or matrix row reduction (Gaussian elimination) to analyze the system's consistency and find solutions or determine if none exist.