SOLUTION: The following is known about three numbers: If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first number and 3 times the third number, the result is 2. The third number plus

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: The following is known about three numbers: If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first number and 3 times the third number, the result is 2. The third number plus      Log On


   



Question 1010629: The following is known about three numbers: If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first number and 3 times the third number, the result is 2. The third number plus 3 times the first number is -1. The first number plus 3 times the second number plus the third number is -16. Find the sum of the three numbers.

Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The list of numbers, x, y, z.

system%28-y%2B%28x%2B3z%29=2%2Cz%2B3x=-1%2Cx%2B3y%2Bz=-16%29

Simplify the system.
system%28x-y%2B3z=-2%2C3x%2Bz=-1%2Cx%2B3y%2Bz=-16%29

Find the three numbers, x, y, z.
Do what method you want or need to. Elimination, substitution, matrix row reductions.

matrix?


R2=R2-3*R1, R3=R3-R1


R3=(1/2)R3


Abbreviating some steps, working just with R2 and R3 using Elimination of y,
...
highlight%28z=-31%2F13%29
and the matrix could look like


and you could use this to solve for y using R2.
and...
highlight%28y=-183%2F39%29
and...
Using R1 to find x,
highlight%28x=18%2F39%29.

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

The following is known about three numbers: If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first number and 3 times the third number, the result is 2. The third number plus 3 times the first number is -1. The first number plus 3 times the second number plus the third number is -16. Find the sum of the three numbers.
First number:    0
Second number: - 5
Third number: - 1
Sum of numbers: 0 - 5 - 1, or highlight_green%28-+6%29