SOLUTION: Hello, I am having a problem solving this matrix equation... Find x and y [3 -6 1] [2] [-23] [x 4 0] [4]=[12] the y is under the 4 in brackets

Algebra ->  Matrices-and-determiminant -> SOLUTION: Hello, I am having a problem solving this matrix equation... Find x and y [3 -6 1] [2] [-23] [x 4 0] [4]=[12] the y is under the 4 in brackets      Log On


   

Question 255440: Hello, I am having a problem solving this matrix equation...
Find x and y
[3 -6 1] [2] [-23]
[x 4 0] [4]=[12]
the y is under the 4 in brackets
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the given matrix equation



Use matrix multiplication to expand the left side.


%28matrix%282%2C1%2C-18%2By%2C16%2B2x%29%29=%28matrix%282%2C1%2C-23%2C12%29%29 Multiply and simplify


Since the matrices are equal, this means that their corresponding entries are equal. So -18%2By=-23 and 16%2B2x=12

Solve each equation to get x=-2 and y=-5


So the solutions are x=-2 and y=-5 which means that