Education Technology

Precalculus: 3x3 Linear Systems of Equations

by Texas Instruments

Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the effects of the coefficients of a linear function in three variables on the graph of the function.
  • Students will be able to identify the number of solutions to a system of linear equations in three variables by analyzing the graphs of the equations.
  • Students will be able to describe the conditions under which a system of linear equations in three variables will have 0, 1, or infinitely many solutions.

Vocabulary

  • system of equations
  • plane
  • solution to a system of equations

About the Lesson

This lesson involves connecting graphical representations of systems of linear equations in three variables to the number of solutions of those systems.
As a result, students will:

  • Manipulate a plane to observe the effect of the coefficients on the graph of the plane.
  • Plot systems of two linear functions in three variables to investigate the graphical representations of solutions of a system.
  • Plot systems of three linear functions in three variables to investigate the graphical representations of solutions of a system.
  • Determine the number of solutions a system of linear equations in three variables can have.