If the List Box contains several linear equations separated by commas then clicking on the Solve by Elimination button opens this window. The equations appear at the bottom of the window. They are considered to be a system whose simultaneous solution is sought.
You can enter any number of equations and any number of unknowns. The coefficients must be numbers. For this example we entered:
x + 1.5 y = 2, x + 2 y = 4
In the elimination method, the system of equations is solved by applying elementary row operations (EROs). You can apply one of the three EROs by clicking one of the three buttons:
ERO#1: multiply or divide a row (equation) through by a constant.
ERO#2: add or subtract a multiple of one row (equation) to another.
ERO#3: interchange two rows (equations).
No other operations are allowed. In the dialog box that opens you enter details such as what rows and what multiples are involved. The program shows what the result would be, and if it is what you intended then you can OK the change. This cycle repeats until you are satisfied with the result.
You can also apply any ERO by typing it into the text box and pressing Enter. Examples of valid syntax are:
R1 / 3
R2 * 5
r2 – 2 r1
r2 + r1
At any time you can press ERO Assist and the program will do the next step for you. You can close the window at any time. The entire dialog is copied into the Workspace.