Knowing how to solve a system of equations using matrices is an essential skill for all

engineers to be familiar with, no matter what specific field they plan on entering. Whether in
circuits, infrastructure, aircrafts, or anything else, solving systems of equations is an everyday
skill in engineering that needs to be fundamentally understood by all. This lab aims to teach
prospective engineers how to solve a system of equations using matrices, both by hand and using
a computer program. Students must first construct a 2-loop circuit with a known voltage source
and resistor values, and use an ammeter to find the current of the circuit at both 5 and 7 volts.
This measured value will then be compared with calculated values, as the current is then
calculated by hand using basic substitution, Cramer’s rule, and inverse matrices. Students also
calculate the current using MATLAB, compare all of their calculated current values to their
measured ones, and explain why they are different. This lab furthers students’ understanding of
circuits and develops a baseline understanding of matrices and how to solve them for students to
build off in the future. It also teaches students how to solve and use matrices in MATLAB, which
is greatly applicable to any future work in MATLAB and other online coding programs not only
for this class, but for their futures as engineers. The skills gained from this lab are vital, and
pertinent to all aspects of engineering.