Find (x, y) Using Matrix Multiplication

📘 Question

Solve the matrix equation:

\[ \begin{bmatrix} x + y \\ x – y \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 4 & 3 \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \end{bmatrix} \]

Find the value of \((x, y)\).


✏️ Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Multiply the matrices

\[ \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 4 & 3 \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 2(1) + 1(-2) \\ 4(1) + 3(-2) \end{bmatrix} \]
\[ = \begin{bmatrix} 2 – 2 \\ 4 – 6 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 0 \\ -2 \end{bmatrix} \]

Step 2: Compare both sides

\[ \begin{bmatrix} x + y \\ x – y \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 0 \\ -2 \end{bmatrix} \]

So, we get:

  • \(x + y = 0\)
  • \(x – y = -2\)

Step 3: Solve equations

Add both equations:

\[ 2x = -2 \Rightarrow x = -1 \]

Substitute into \(x + y = 0\):

\[ -1 + y = 0 \Rightarrow y = 1 \]

✅ Final Answer

\[ \boxed{(x, y) = (-1, 1)} \]

💡 Key Concept

Matrix multiplication converts the problem into linear equations. Then solve using basic algebra methods like substitution or elimination.

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