Solve the following systems of linear equations by Cramer’s rule:
2x – y = 1
7x – 2y = – 7
Given: - Two equations 2x – y = 1 and 7x – 2y = – 7
Tip: - Theorem – Cramer’s Rule
Let there be a system of n simultaneous linear equations and with n unknown given by
and let Dj be the determinant obtained from D after replacing the jth column by
Then,
provided that D ≠ 0
Now, here we have
2x – y = 1
7x – 2y = – 7
So by comparing with the theorem, let's find D, D1 and D2
Solving determinant, expanding along 1st row
⇒ D = 2( – 2) – (7)( – 1)
⇒ D = – 4 + 7
⇒ D = 3
Again,
Solving determinant, expanding along 1st row
⇒ D1 = 1( – 2) – ( – 7)( – 1)
⇒ D1 = – 2 – 7
⇒ D1 = – 9
and
Solving determinant, expanding along 1st row
⇒ D2 = 2( – 7) – (7)(1)
⇒ D2 = – 14 – 7
⇒ D2 = – 21
Thus by Cramer’s Rule, we have
⇒
⇒
⇒ x = – 3
and
⇒
⇒
⇒ y = – 7