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| Question 773139:  I'm stuck on a problem in my algebra test.
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 Solve each system of equations.
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 5x = -15
 -11x - 4y + 7z = 1
 3x - 3y + z = 1
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 A) x=3, y=-19, z=41
 B) x=42, y=-33, z=-13
 C) x=-45, y=-14, z=-40
 D) x=-3, y=-7, z=1
 E) x=-3, y=-6, z=-8
 F) x=38, y=22, z=-26
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 I know that x = -3, and I've tried substituting this into the other two equations, then solving one into the other, but it doesn't match any of the answers! Could I have some help? Thank you for your time!
 Answer by Edwin McCravy(20064)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 
(1)                 5x = -15
(2)     -11x - 4y + 7z = 1
(3)        3x - 3y + z = 1 
Solve (1) for x
5x = -15
 x = -3
Substitute x = -3 in (2)
   -11x - 4y + 7z = 1
-11(-3) - 4y + 7z = 1
     33 - 4y + 7z = 1
(4)      -4y + 7z = -32
Substitute x = -3 in (3)
      3x - 3y + z = 1
   3(-3) - 3y + z = 1
      -9 - 3y + z = 1
(5)       -3y + z = 10
So you have this system:
(4)      -4y + 7z = -32
(5)      -3y +  z =  10
Solve (5) for z
    -3y + z = 10
(6)       z = 10 + 3y
Substitute in (4)
        -4y + 7z = -32
-4y + 7(10 + 3y) = -32
  -4y + 70 + 21y = -32
        17y + 70 = -32
             17y = -102
               y = -6
Substitute in (6)
(6)       z = 10 + 3(-6)
          z = 10 - 18
          z = -8
Answer:   E) x=-3, y=-6, z=-8  
Edwin
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