If the system x1 x2 x3 x4 3 2x1 x3 0 x1 x2 2x3 1 3x
     If the system {x_1 + x_2 - x_3 - x_4 = 3  2x_1 + x_3 = 0  x_1 + x_2 + 2x_3 = 1  3x_1 - x_2 - x_3 + x_4 = -1 is solved, what is the value of x_2? Use Cramer\'s rule.    
 
  
  Solution
Your matrix
Write down the main matrix and find its determinant
D = -8
Replace the 1st column of the main matrix with the solution vector and find its determinant
D1 = -2
Replace the 2nd column of the main matrix with the solution vector and find its determinant
D2 = -14
Replace the 3rd column of the main matrix with the solution vector and find its determinant
D3 = 4
Replace the 4th column of the main matrix with the solution vector and find its determinant
D4 = 4
x1 = D1 / D = (-2) / (-8) = 1/4
x2 = D2 / D = (-14) / (-8) = 7/4
x3 = D3 / D = 4 / (-8) = -1/2
x4 = D4 / D = 4 / (-8) = -1/2
solution
x1 = 1/4
x2 = 7/4 (Answer)
x3 = -1/2
x4 = -1/2
| X1 | X2 | X3 | X4 | b | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | -1 | 3 | 
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 
| 4 | 3 | -1 | -1 | 1 | -1 | 

