Linear Algebra

Week 3
Part A
Topics:
Row Operations
Echelon Form
Reduced Echelon Form
Gauss Elimination
Gauss-Jordan reduction
NOTE: Since it is not possible
to eliminate any entries by
using 0 as a pivot element,
R3 : R3-2R1
R4: R4-3R1
R3 : R3+2R2
R4: R4-2R2
R4: R4-R3
This augmented matrix represents a strictly triangular system.
x1+x2+x3+x4 = 6
-x2-x3+x4 = 0
-3x3-2x4 = -13
-x4 = -2

Solve NOW! by back substitution, to obtain the solution ???

This augmented matrix represents a strictly triangular system.
x1+x2+x3+x4 = 6
-x2-x3+x4 = 0
-3x3-2x4 = -13
-x4 = -2

Solve NOW! by back substitution, to obtain the solution (2, −1, 3, 2).
Convert this to Row Echelon Form
and then solve further…
It follows from the last row of the reduced matrix that the system is inconsistent. The
three equations in system (a) represent lines in the plane. The first two lines intersect at
the point (2, −1). However, the third line does not pass through this point. Thus, there
are no points that lie on all three lines (see Figure 1.2.1).
Underdetermined Systems

A system of m linear equations in n unknowns is said to be underdetermined

if there are fewer equations than unknowns (m < n). Although it is possible
for underdetermined systems to be inconsistent, they are usually consistent
with infinitely many solutions.
System (b) is consistent, and since there are two free variables, the system will have infinitely many
solutions.
Reduced Row Echelon Form
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