Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Introduction to Matrices
Problem 25b
Textbook Question
In Exercises 21–38, solve each system of equations using matrices. Use Gaussian elimination with back-substitution or Gauss-Jordan elimination. ![System of equations for exercise 25 in college algebra, chapter 7 on matrices.](https://lightcat-files.s3.amazonaws.com/problem_images/4a80d58624f13ff8-1678240271886.jpg)
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1
Write the system of equations as an augmented matrix: \( \begin{bmatrix} 2 & -1 & -1 & | & 4 \\ 1 & 1 & -5 & | & -4 \\ 1 & -2 & 0 & | & 4 \end{bmatrix} \).
Use Gaussian elimination to get a leading 1 in the first row, first column by swapping rows if necessary.
Eliminate the first column below the leading 1 by replacing the second and third rows with suitable multiples of the first row subtracted from them.
Continue with the second column, making the second row, second column a leading 1, and eliminate below it.
Use back-substitution to solve for the variables once the matrix is in row-echelon form.
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