Further Maths - Solving Systems of Equations Using Triangle Method
Other than matricies, how can you solve a system of three equations?
Using the triangle method.
How does the triangle method of solving a system of three equations work?
Using back substitution.
What are the steps involved in the triangle method?
- Add/subtract two equations of three variables to form an equation of two variables
- Do this for another equation, forming an equation with the same two variables
- Solve this using simulataneous equations
- Substitute the new values and solve for the final variable
Why is it called the “triangle” method of solving equations?
You work your way from 3 to 1 variables, so it kind of looks like an upside-down pyramid.
If you have the three equations
\[2x-6y+4z = 32 \\ 3x + 2y -9z = -49 \\ -2x + 4y + z = -3\]
, what two equations could you initially pair?
Add equation 1 and equation 3 together.
\[2x - 6y + 4z = 32 -2x + 4y + z = -3\]