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system of equations
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system of equations

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Also known as: simultaneous equations
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simultaneous equations

system of equations, In algebra, two or more equations to be solved together (i.e., the solution must satisfy all the equations in the system). For a system to have a unique solution, the number of equations must equal the number of unknowns. Even then a solution is not guaranteed. If a solution exists, the system is consistent; if not, it is inconsistent. A system of linear equations can be represented by a matrix whose elements are the coefficients of the equations. Though simple systems of two equations in two unknowns can be solved by substitution, larger systems are best handled with matrix techniques.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.