System of Linear Equations

Part 01
PMAT 11232 - MATRIX ALGEBRA

Chapter 02: Sytem of Linear Equations 1

Chapter 02

A linear equation in n variables 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 ⋯ 𝑥𝑛 has the form

The coefficients 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , ⋯ , 𝑎𝑛 are real numbers, and the constant term b is a

real number. The number 𝑎1 is the leading coefficient and 𝑥1 is the leading
variable.

Linear equations have no products or roots of variables and no variables

involved in trigonometric, exponential, or logarithmic functions. Variables
appear only to the first power.
Chapter 02 Systems of Linear Equations

A system of m linear equations in n variables is a set of m equations each of

which is linear in the same n variables.
Matrix representation of a Linear System
Chapter 02

Coefficients of x Coefficients of y

1 −1 2 𝑥 5 𝐴𝑥 = 𝑏
2 −2 4 𝑦 = 10
3 −3 6 𝑧 15

Coefficients of z
Chapter 02

Augmented matrix
The matrix derived from the coefficients and constant terms of a system of linear
equations is called the augmented matrix of the system. The matrix containing
only the coefficients of the system is called the coefficient matrix of the system.

𝐴 𝑏 -Augmented matrix

1 −1 2 𝑥 5 1 −1 2 5
2 −2 4 𝑦 = 10 (𝐴|𝑏) = 2 −2 4 10
3 −3 6 𝑧 15 3 −3 6 15
Chapter 02
Elementary Row Operations
In matrix terminology these three operations correspond to elementary row
operations. An elementary row operation on an augmented matrix produces a
new augmented matrix corresponding to a new (but equivalent) system of
linear equations.

Two matrices are said to be row-equivalent if one can be obtained from the
other by a finite sequence of elementary row operations.
Chapter 02
(a)Interchange two rows.
Interchange the ith row and jth row 𝑅𝑖 ⟷ 𝑅𝑗
Interchange the first and second rows.
Chapter 02

(b) Multiply a row by a nonzero constant.

The ith row is multiplied by 𝜆 𝜆𝑅𝑖 → 𝑅𝑖

1
Multiply the first row by to produce a new first row.
2
Chapter 02
(c) Add a multiple of a row to another row.
The jth row is multiplied by 𝜆 and added to the ith row. 𝑅𝑖 + 𝜆𝑅𝑗 → 𝑅𝑖

The 1st row is multiplied by −2 and added to the 3rd row.

Note:
If we are going to change the ith row, usually we do not multiply it by a scalar.
For more details

 Elementary Linear Algebra, 6th Edition by Ron Larson and David Falvo,
Houghton Mifflin Harcout Publishing Company, 2009

 Introduction to linear algebra, 1st Edition by James DeFranza and

Daniel Gagliardi, Mcgrawhill, 2008.

 Elementary Linear Algebra Applications Version, 11th Edition, by Howard

Anton and Chrisror Rorers, Wiley Plus, 2014

gamage@kln.ac.lk
0714458399
Chapter 02
Chapter 02

To solve such a system, use a procedure called back-substitution

3 ⇒𝑧=2 2 ⇒ 𝑦 = 5 − 3𝑧 = −1 1 ⇒ 𝑥 = 9 + 2𝑦 − 3𝑧 = 1
Row operations can be applied simultaneously for different rows.
(−1)𝑅4 → 𝑅4