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We will use a modified form of this method for much of the Linear Algebra part of the
course.
+ + ⋯+ =
Examples:
⎯⎯
3 +2 − = 9 and 4 − 3√5 = 0 are linear equations.
− + =2
−2 −3 + = −3
5 − 20 + 14 =8
We will use the notation 1 for equation 1 of a system, 2 for equation 2, etc…
−4 =5
11 = −11
Definition: Two linear systems are equivalent if they have the same solution set, i.e.
if every solution of one system is a solution of the other.
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Now the above system is equivalent to
−4 =5
= −1 ( 2 × ⎯⎯)
So the only solution of this system, and hence the original system, is = −1 and
= 1 (by back substituting into 1).
− + =2
−5 +3 = 1 ( 2 + 2 1)
−15 +9 = −2 ( 3 − 5 1)
− + =2
−5 +3 =1
0 +0 = −5 ( 3 − 3 2)
Obviously 3 is false. So this system, and hence the original system, has no
solution.
− +3 = −5
+ +2 =6
− + −8 =4
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+ +2 = 6 ( 1 ↔ 2)
− +3 = −5
− + −8 =4
This is equivalent to
+ +2 =6
− +3 = −5
2 −6 = 10 ( 3 + 1)
+ +2 =6
− +3 = −5
0 +0 = 0 ( 3 + 2 2)
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Definitions: A consistent system is a system that has either one solution or infinitely many
solutions. An inconsistent system has no solution.
Graphical interpretation
Each equation represents a straight line. We label the lines ℓ and ℓ , respectively.
ℓ
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
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• 3 equations and 3 variables:
+ + =%
+ + =%
# +# +# =%
Each equation represents a plane. Label the planes & , & and & , respectively.
&
&
&
&
&
&
Unique solution - & , & and & Infinitely many solutions - & , &
intersect at exactly one point and & intersect in a line
&
&
&
Exercises: Complete problems 1-4 and 11-18 on the next page using the method of
elimination demonstrated above.
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