Application of Matrices and

Determinants
Lesson 3
Introduction
• Applications of matrices:
• Electrical circuits, optics, quantum mechanics, statics, robotics, genetics, calculating forces,
vectors, tensions, masses, loads and other factors that must be accounted for in engineering
• Matrices and determinants are used to solve a system of simultaneous linear
equations.
• The simultaneous solution of multiple equations finds its way into many common
engineering problems.
• Modern structural engineering analysis techniques are all about solving systems of equations
simultaneously.
• Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which are based on matrix theory, are very
important in engineering and science.
• Ex. Car designers analyze eigenvalues in order to damp out the noise in a car, eigenvalue
analysis is used in the design of car stereo systems, eigenvalues can be used to test for cracks
and deformities in a solid, and oil companies use eigenvalues analysis to explore land for oil.
Lesson Objectives
• solve simultaneous equations in two and three unknowns using
matrices
• solve simultaneous equations in two and three unknowns using
determinants
• solve simultaneous equations using Cramer’s rule
• solve simultaneous equations using Gaussian elimination
• determine the eigenvalues of a 2 by 2 and 3 by 3 matrix
• determine the eigenvectors of a 2 by 2 and 3 by 3 matrix
Contents
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Matrices
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Determinants
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using Cramer’s Rule
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using the Gaussian Elimination
5. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by
Matrices
Procedure for solving linear simultaneous equations in two unknowns using
matrices:
𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 = 𝑐1
i. Write the equation in the form:
𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 = 𝑐2
ii. Write the matrix equation corresponding to these equations, i.e.
𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑥 𝑐1
× 𝑦 = 𝑐
𝑎2 𝑏2 2
𝑎1 𝑏1 1 𝑏2 −𝑏1
iii. Determine the inverse matrix of , i.e.
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑎1 𝑏2 −𝑏1 𝑎2 −𝑎2 𝑎1
iv. Multiply each side of the matrix equation (ii) by the inverse matrix (iii)
v. Solve for 𝑥 and 𝑦 by equating corresponding elements
Problem 1. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 3𝑥 + 5y − 7 = 0 (1)
4𝑥 − 3y − 19 = 0 (2)
Problem 1. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 3𝑥 + 5y − 7 = 0 (1)
4𝑥 − 3y − 19 = 0 (2)
i. Write the equations in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐
3𝑥 + 5y = 7
4𝑥 − 3y = 19
ii. Write the matrix equation
3 5 𝑥 7
× 𝑦 =
4 −3 19
Problem 1. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 3𝑥 + 5y − 7 = 0 (1)
4𝑥 − 3y − 19 = 0 (2)
3 5
iii. Determine the inverse of matrix
4 −3
−3 −5 1 −3 −5 1
× = ×−
−4 3 (3)(−3) − [(5)(4)] −4 3 29

3 5
= 29 29
4 3
−
29 29
Problem 1. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 3𝑥 + 5y − 7 = 0 (1)
4𝑥 − 3y − 19 = 0 (2)
iv. Multiply each side of the matrix equation (ii) by the inverse matrix (iii)
3 5 3 5
29 29 × 3 5 × 𝑥 = 29 29 × 7
4 3 4 −3 𝑦 4 3 19
− −
29 29 29 29
−1
Note: 𝐴 × 𝐴 = 𝐼
21 95
+
1 0 𝑥 29 29
× 𝑦 = 28 57
0 1
+ −
29 29
𝑥 4
𝑦 =
−1
Problem 1. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 3𝑥 + 5y − 7 = 0 (1)
4𝑥 − 3y − 19 = 0 (2)
𝑥 4
v. Equate corresponding elements: 𝑦 =
−1
𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = −1
Check:
Equation (1): 3(4) + 5(−1) − 7 = 0
Equation (2): 4(4) − 3(−1) − 19 = 0
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by
Matrices
Procedure for solving linear simultaneous equations in three unknowns using matrices:
𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 = 𝑑1
i. Write the equation in the form: 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 = 𝑑2
𝑎3 𝑥 + 𝑏3 𝑦 + 𝑐3 𝑧 = 𝑑3
ii. Write the matrix equation corresponding to these equations, i.e.
𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑐1 𝑥 𝑑1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2 × 𝑦 = 𝑑2
𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑐3 𝑧 𝑑3
𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑐1
iii. Determine the inverse matrix of 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2
𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑐3
iv. Multiply each side of the matrix equation (ii) by the inverse matrix (iii)
v. Solve for 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 by equating corresponding elements
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
i. Write the equations in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑
𝑥+y+z=4
2𝑥 − 3y + 4z = 33
3𝑥 − 2y − 2z = 2
ii. Write the matrix equation
1 1 1 𝑥 4
2 −3 4 × 𝑦 = 33
3 −2 −2 𝑧 2
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
1 1 1
iii. Determine the inverse of matrix 𝐴 = 2 −3 4
3 −2 −2
−1
adj 𝐴 Note 1: The adjoint of 𝐴, adj 𝐴,
𝐴 = is the transpose of the matrix of
𝐴 cofactors of the elements of 𝐴

Note 2: The determinant of 𝐴,

𝐴 , is the sum of the products of
the elements and their cofactors
 1 1 1
𝐴= 2 −3 4
3 −2 −2 + − +
• Cofactors: − + −
+ − +
Consider element 1: Consider element 1: Consider element 1:
1 1 1 −3 4 1 1 1 2 4 1 1 1 2 −3
+ − +
−2 −2 3 −2 3 −2
2 −3 4 = −3 −2 2 −3 4 = −[ 2 −2 2 −3 4 = 2 −2
3 −2 −2 − 4 −2 = 14 3 −2 −2 − 4 3 ] = 16 3 −2 −2 − −3 3 = 5

Consider element 2: Consider element -3: Consider element 4:

1 1 1 −
1 1 1 1 1 +
1 1 1 1 1 −
1 1
2 −3 4 −2 −2 2 −3 4 3 −2 2 −3 4 3 −2
= −[ 1 −2 = 1 −2 = −[ 1 −2
3 −2 −2 − 1 −2 ] = 0 3 −2 −2 − 1 3 = −5 3 −2 −2 − 1 3 ]=5

Consider element 3: Consider element -2: Consider element -2:

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
+ − +
−3 4 2 4 2 −3
2 −3 4 = 1 4 2 −3 4 = −[ 1 4 2 −3 4 = 1 −3
3 −2 −2 − 1 −3 = 7 3 −2 −2 − 1 2 ] = −2 3 −2 −2 − 1 2 = −5
 1 1 1
𝐴= 2 −3 4
14 16 5 3 −2 −2
• Matrix of Cofactors: 0 −5 5 + − +
7 −2 −5 − + −
14 0 7 + − +
• Adjoint, adj 𝐴 = 16 −5 −2
5 5 −5
• Determinant 𝐴 =
1 1 1
• Consider the first row expansion of 𝐴 = 2 −3 4
3 −2 −2
−3 4 2 4 2 −3
+ 1 − 1 + 1
−2 −2 3 −2 3 −2
= 1 14 − 1 −16 + 1(5)
𝐴 = 35
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
1 1 1
iii. Determine the inverse of matrix 𝐴 = 2 −3 4
3 −2 −2

14 0 7
16 −5 −2
adj 𝐴
𝐴−1 = = 5 5 −5
𝐴 35
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
iv. Multiply each side of the matrix equation (ii) by the inverse matrix (iii)
1 14 0 7 1 1 1 𝑥 1 14 0 7 4
16 −5 −2 × 2 −3 4 × 𝑦 = 16 −5 −2 × 33
35 𝑧 35
5 5 −5 3 −2 −2 5 5 −5 2
−1
Note: 𝐴 × 𝐴 = 𝐼
1 0 0 𝑥 14 4 + 0 33 + 7(2)
1
0 1 0 × 𝑦 = 16 4 + −5 33 + (−2)(2)
𝑧 35
0 0 1 5 4 + 5 33 + (−5)(2)
𝑥 1 70 2
𝑦 = −105 = −3
𝑧 35
175 5
Problem 2. Use matrices to solve the simultaneous
equations: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧−4=0 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 33 = 0 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 2 = 0 (3)
𝑥 2
v. Equate corresponding elements: 𝑦 = −3
𝑧 5
𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = −3, and 𝑧 = 5
Check:
Equation (1): 1 2 + 1 −3 + 1 −5 − 4 = 0
Equation (2): 2 2 − 3 −3 + 4 −5 − 33 = 0
Equation (3): 3 2 − 2 −3 − 2 −5 − 2 = 0
Contents
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Matrices
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Determinants
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using Cramer’s Rule
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using the Gaussian Elimination
5. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by
Determinants
Procedure for solving linear simultaneous equations in two unknowns using
determinants:
𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 = 0
i. Write the equation in the form:
𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 = 0
𝑥 −𝑦 1
ii. The solution is given by: = = where:
𝐷𝑥 𝐷𝑦 𝐷
𝑏1 𝑐1
𝐷𝑥 =
𝑏2 𝑐2
• i.e., the determinant of the coefficients left when the 𝑥-column is covered up
𝑎1 𝑐1
𝐷𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑐
2 2
• i.e., the determinant of the coefficients left when the 𝑦-column is covered up
𝑎 𝑏1
𝐷= 1
𝑎2 𝑏2
• i.e., the determinant of the coefficients left when the constant-column is covered up
Problem 3. Solve the following simultaneous equations
using determinants: 3𝑥 − 4y = 12 (1)
7𝑥 + 5y = 6.5 (2)
Problem 3. Solve the following simultaneous equations
using determinants: 3𝑥 − 4y = 12 (1)
7𝑥 + 5y = 6.5 (2)
i. Write the equation in the form: 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
3𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 12 = 0
7𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 6.5 = 0
𝑥 −𝑦 1 𝑥 −𝑦 1
ii. Solution: = = ∴ −4 −12 = 3 −12 = 3 −4
𝐷𝑥 𝐷𝑦 𝐷
5 −6.5 7 −6.5 7 5
𝑥 −𝑦 1
= =
−4 −6.5 − (−12)(5) 3 −6.5 − (−12)(7) 3 5 − (−4)(7)
𝑥 −𝑦 1
= =
86 64.5 43
86 64.5 3
𝑥 = ∴ 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = − ∴𝑦=−
43 43 2
Problem 4. The velocity of a car, accelerating at
uniform acceleration 𝑎 between two points, is
given by 𝑣 = 𝑢 + 𝑎𝑡, where 𝑢 is the velocity when
passing the first point, and 𝑡 is the time taken to
m
pass between the two points. If 𝑣 = 21 when
m s
𝑡 = 3.5 s and 𝑣 = 33 when 𝑡 = 6.1 s, use the
s
determinants to find the values of 𝑢 and 𝑎, each
correct to 4 significant figures.
Problem 4. Solution
Problem 4. Solution
Problem 4. Solution
Problem 5. Applying Kirchhoff’s law to an
electric circuit results in the following
equations:

9 + 𝑗12 𝐼1 − 6 + 𝑗8 𝐼2 = 5
− 6 + 𝑗8 𝐼1 + 8 + 𝑗3 𝐼2 = (2 + 𝑗4)

Solve the equations for 𝐼1 and 𝐼2 .

Problem 5. Solution
 2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by
Determinants
Procedure for solving linear simultaneous equations in three unknowns
using determinants:
𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 = 0
i. Write the equation in the form: 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2 = 0
𝑎3 𝑥 + 𝑏3 𝑦 + 𝑐3 𝑧 + 𝑑3 = 0
𝑥 −𝑦 𝑧 −1
ii. The solution is given by: = = = where:
𝐷𝑥 𝐷𝑦 𝐷𝑧 𝐷
𝑏1 𝑐1 𝑑1 𝑎1 𝑐1 𝑑1 𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑑1 𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑐1
𝐷𝑥 = 𝑏2 𝑐2 𝑑2 𝐷𝑦 = 𝑎2 𝑐2 𝑑2 𝐷z = 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑑2 𝐷 = 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2
𝑏3 𝑐3 𝑑3 𝑎3 𝑐3 𝑑3 𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑑3 𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑐3
i.e., the determinant of the i.e., the determinant of the i.e., the determinant of the i.e., the determinant of the
coefficients left when the 𝑥- coefficients left when the 𝑦- coefficients left when the 𝑧- coefficients left when the
column is covered up column is covered up column is covered up constant-column is covered up
Problem 6. A DC circuit comprises three closed
loops. Applying Kirchhoff’s laws to the closed
loops gives the following equations for current
flow in milliamperes:

2𝐼1 + 3𝐼2 − 4𝐼3 = 26

𝐼1 − 5𝐼2 − 3𝐼3 = −87
−7𝐼1 + 2𝐼2 + 6𝐼3 = 12

Use determinants to solve for 𝐼1 , 𝐼2 and 𝐼3 .

Problem 6. Solution
Problem 6. Solution
Problem 6. Solution
Contents
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Matrices
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Determinants
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using Cramer’s Rule
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using the Gaussian Elimination
5. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using
Cramer’s Rule

*RHS = right-hand side

Problem 7. Solve the following simultaneous equations
using Cramer’s rule: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 =4 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 33 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 2 (3)
Problem 7. Solve the following simultaneous equations
using Cramer’s rule: 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 =4 (1)
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 33 (2)
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 2 (3)
Contents
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Matrices
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Determinants
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using Cramer’s Rule
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using the Gaussian Elimination
5. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using
Gaussian Elimination Method
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using
Gaussian Elimination Method
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using
Gaussian Elimination Method
• Conclusion: If
Problem 8. A DC circuit comprises three closed
loops. Applying Kirchhoff’s laws to the closed
loops gives the following equations for current
flow in milliamperes:

2𝐼1 + 3𝐼2 − 4𝐼3 = 26

𝐼1 − 5𝐼2 − 3𝐼3 = −87
−7𝐼1 + 2𝐼2 + 6𝐼3 = 12

Use the Gaussian elimination method to solve for

𝐼1 , 𝐼2 and 𝐼3 .
Problem 8. Solution
Problem 8. Solution
Problem 8. Solution
Contents
1. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Matrices
2. Solution of Simultaneous Equations by Determinants
3. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using Cramer’s Rule
4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations using the Gaussian Elimination
5. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
5. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Problem 9. Determine the eigenvalues of the
3 4
matrix 𝐴 =
2 1
Problem 10. Determine the eigenvectors of the
3 4
matrix 𝐴 =
2 1
Problem 10. Determine the eigenvectors of the
3 3
matrix 𝐴 =
2 1
Problem 11. Determine the eigenvalues of the
5 −2
matrix 𝐴 =
−9 2
Problem 12. Determine the eigenvectors of the
5 −2
matrix 𝐴 =
−9 2
Problem 12. Determine the eigenvectors of the
5 −2
matrix 𝐴 =
−9 2
 1 2 1
Problem 13. Determine the eigenvalues of the matrix 𝐴 = 6 −1 0
−1 −2 −1
 1 2 1
Problem 14. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 6 −1 0
−1 −2 −1
 1 2 1
Problem 14. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 6 −1 0
−1 −2 −1
 1 2 1
Problem 14. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 6 −1 0
−1 −2 −1
 1 −4 −2
Problem 15. Determine the eigenvalues of the matrix 𝐴 = 0 3 1
1 2 4
 1 −4 −2
Problem 16. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 0 3 1
1 2 4
 1 −4 −2
Problem 16. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 0 3 1
1 2 4
 1 −4 −2
Problem 16. Determine the eigenvectors of the matrix 𝐴 = 0 3 1
1 2 4
end