In Exercises 1 - 24, use Gaussian Elimination to find the complete solution to each system of equations, or show that none exists.
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Introduction to Matrices
Problem 10
Textbook Question
In Exercises 8–11, use Gaussian elimination to find the complete solution to each system, or show that none exists.
Verified step by step guidance1
Write the given system of linear equations in augmented matrix form. The augmented matrix combines the coefficients of the variables and the constants from the equations into a single matrix.
Use row operations (row swapping, scaling a row by a nonzero constant, or adding/subtracting multiples of one row to another) to transform the augmented matrix into row-echelon form. The goal is to create zeros below the pivot positions (leading entries in each row).
Continue using row operations to further simplify the matrix into reduced row-echelon form, where each pivot is 1, and all other entries in the pivot's column are 0.
Interpret the reduced row-echelon form of the matrix to determine the solution. If the system has a unique solution, express it in terms of the variables. If there are infinitely many solutions, express the solution in terms of free variables. If the system is inconsistent, state that no solution exists.
Verify the solution by substituting it back into the original system of equations to ensure all equations are satisfied.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gaussian Elimination
Gaussian elimination is a method for solving systems of linear equations. It involves transforming the system's augmented matrix into row echelon form using a series of row operations, which include swapping rows, multiplying a row by a non-zero scalar, and adding or subtracting rows. This process simplifies the system, making it easier to identify solutions or determine if no solution exists.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Solving Systems of Equations - Elimination
Row Echelon Form
Row echelon form is a specific arrangement of a matrix where all non-zero rows are above any rows of all zeros, and the leading coefficient of each non-zero row (the first non-zero number from the left) is to the right of the leading coefficient of the previous row. This structure is crucial for applying back substitution to find the solutions of the system, as it clearly indicates the relationships between the variables.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Solving Systems of Equations - Matrices (Row-Echelon Form)
Consistency of a System
A system of linear equations is considered consistent if it has at least one solution, and inconsistent if it has no solutions. During Gaussian elimination, if a row reduces to a form that implies a contradiction (such as 0 = 1), the system is inconsistent. Understanding the consistency of a system is essential for determining whether a complete solution can be found or if the system is unsolvable.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Classifying Systems of Linear Equations
Watch next
Master Introduction to Matrices with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
444
views
