Skip to main content
Ch. 6 - Matrices and Determinants
Chapter 7, Problem 4

In Exercises 3–5, solve each system of equations using matrices. Use Gaussian elimination with back-substitution or Gauss-Jordan elimination.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
11m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Matrices

Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers arranged in rows and columns, used to represent and solve systems of linear equations. Each element in a matrix can be manipulated according to specific rules, making them a powerful tool in linear algebra. Understanding how to perform operations such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication on matrices is essential for solving systems of equations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
4:35
Introduction to Matrices

Gaussian Elimination

Gaussian elimination is a method for solving systems of linear equations by transforming the system's augmented matrix into row echelon form. This involves a series of row operations to create zeros below the leading coefficients, simplifying the system. Once in this form, back-substitution can be used to find the values of the variables, making it a systematic approach to solving linear systems.
Recommended video:
Guided course
6:48
Solving Systems of Equations - Elimination

Back-Substitution

Back-substitution is a technique used after applying Gaussian elimination to find the solutions of a system of equations. Once the matrix is in row echelon form, the last equation can be solved for one variable, and this value is then substituted back into the previous equations to find the remaining variables. This step is crucial for obtaining the final solution from the simplified system.
Recommended video:
Guided course
5:48
Solving Systems of Equations - Substitution