Section 10.2 Systems of Linear Equations in Three
Variables
Geometric Meaning of Three Linear Equations in Three
Variables
1. Reminder of linear equation in three variables
A linear equation containing three variables, x, y and z, is an equation of the form
Ax+By+Cz=D, where A, B, C and D are constants. The graph of such an equation is a
PLANE in xyz-space.
2. A system of three linear equations in three variables.
Thus, the system of three linear equations containing the variables, x, y and z, is a
TRINARY of PLANEs in xyz-space. Each (x, y, z) trinary that satisfies the system of
three equations must satisfy all three equations, i.e. the trinary (x, y, z) must be on all
three planes.
3. Possible solutions of linear systems
z Exactly ONE solution (UNIQUE solution). The solution is exactly the point where
the three planes which the three equations represent intersect.
z INFINITELY MANY solutions. This is the second case, where the three line
overlaps or their intersection forms a line.
z NO solution. This is the third case, where the three planes have no point in
common. There is no point that could be on all three plains.
ATTN: IN NO CASE can a linear system has exactly two or three solutions.
