ISAT U CEA

Chapter 15:
Gaussian Elimination Method
OBJECTIVE:
In this chapter the students are expected to learn the easy and effective way in
finding the values of the unknown variables using the Gaussian Elimination Method.
The students will learn the basic excel functions on how to find the unknown
variables

DISCUSSION:
The technique demonstrate in this chapter is called Gauss elimination. It
combines the equations to eliminate unknown variables such as (x, y, z). This technique
is one of the earliest methods for solving simultaneous equations, it remains among the
most important algorithms in use today and is the basis for linear equation solving on
many popular software packages.

SAMPLE PROBLEM:
So here we go. In this section I will teach you how to use Microsoft excel in
finding the unknown variables with the given equations.

x+2y+3z+2w=1

x+3y-z-2w=-1

2x+3y-2z-w=7

3x+4y+z-w=-4

The equations above will be are given in finding the unknowns.

The first thing we need to do is to make a table with the variables we need to find in
the first row.

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Now let’s proceed to the next step: we need to input the corresponding values to the
table, for example the equation x+2y+3z+2w=1. 1 for x, 2 for y, 3 for z, 2 for w and 1
for C which is our constant.

In the table above, we have input all the equation.

After that we need to divide the value of x in the first row to itself. It is the way to
normalize the first row. Note: You need to add the “$” sign in the divisor.

Like this picture shown above.

The next step we need to do is to make the remaining values of the “x” below the pivot
element by subtracting itself to itself then multiply it to the pivot element which is now
“1”.

In this picture we change the remaining values of x to zeros.

You need to remember that you still need to put a “$” sign in the value which is minus
by its self. Then drag the mouse to the right of x column to get the calculations correct.

Now let’s proceed to the next stage.

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Just like in what we did in the column of x now we will do the same thing with the
column of y.

But instead of starting in the 1st row well start at the 2nd row to create a diagonal path
of 1’s. We normalize the 2nd row by dividing by “1”.

The formula is still the same as in x. you just need to divide itself to itself. Remember
don’t forget the “$” sign.

Great! After you get the value you will use it as the reference in solving the remaining
y’s.

This should be the result. Note you don’t need to change the value of y in row 1.

The same pattern will be applied to z . we need to normalize the 3 rd row by dividing
by -12.

After you finished with z we already simplify the equations and can be easily combine or
substitute to other equations.

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x+2y+3z+2w=1

y-4z-4w=-2

z+0.75w=-0.25

-3w=-15

Therefore the value of the w variable is 5!

At last we made it. So the next step we need to do is to change the value of the w in
equation “z+0.75w=-0.25” to -5

Same steps, you just need to substitute the value of w and x in the equation of “y-4z-
4w=-2”.

Same step follows in getting the value of x.

Thus, x=-1; y=2; z=-4; w=-5.

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:
1. What technique should be used in finding the unknown variables using the given
equations?
2. What do you think is the purpose of “$” with the calculation in excel?
3. Is the dragging to the right needed in calculating the values of the unknown
variables?

APPLICATION:
Find the unknown variables (a, b, c, d, e, and f) with the given equations.

a +b-2c+d+3e-f=4

2a-b+c+2d+e-3f= 20

a +3b-3c-d+2e+f= -15

5a+ 2b-c-d+2e+f=-3

-3a-b+2c+3d+e+3f=16

4a+3b+c-6d-3e-2f=-27

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