Inverse matrices

Question

Use an inverse matrix to solve (if possible) the system of linear equations. (If there is no solution, enter NO SOLUTION.)

4x − 2y + 3z = −16

2x + 2y + 5z = 2

8x − 5y − 2z = −8

(x,y,z)=( )

Is this similar to finding the inverse of a matrix? Because I thought it could only be a square?

Answer 1

The equation set you have submitted could be written as AX=YI and where A is the matrix of coefficients which is square (3x3). Then A^-1AX=A^-1Y and I=A^-1Y gives you the solution. Hence, you should invert the 3x3 matrix to solve this problem...if you know how to do that.