Linear systems, row reduction, parametric solutions and consistency. Show every step: pivots, basic and free variables, and the RREF when the system is consistent.
Chapter 1
7 questions
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Questions 1 to 7
7 PTS
Q1
Solve the linear system.$$\begin{cases}x + y + 2z = 3 \\ x + 2y + z = 1 \\ 2x + y + z = 0\end{cases}$$
1 pt
Fractions, decimals, sqrt(…) and lists separated by commas all work.
Are the two matrices row equivalent? If so, show how one matrix can be transformed into the other using elementary row operations.$$\begin{bmatrix}1 & 2 & 4 \\ 5 & 6 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 & 5\end{bmatrix}\qquad \begin{bmatrix}3 & 4 & 5 \\ 2 & 2 & -3 \\ 2 & 4 & 8\end{bmatrix}$$
A square matrix with nonzero determinant has a pivot in every column, so both reduce to $I_3$.
Row operations are reversible: reduce the first matrix to $I_3$, then apply the inverse of each step that took the second matrix to $I_3$, in reverse order. That chain turns the first matrix into the second.
Answer: Yes: both matrices are row equivalent to $I_3$, hence to each other.
Q7
For which values of $a$ and $b$ is the system consistent with a unique solution, and for which is it inconsistent?$$\begin{cases}x + ay = b \\ ax + y = b\end{cases}$$
1 pt
Fractions, decimals, sqrt(…) and lists separated by commas all work.
Worked solution
Coefficient determinant: $\det\begin{bmatrix}1 & a \\ a & 1\end{bmatrix} = 1 - a^2$.
If $a \neq \pm 1$ the determinant is nonzero: one solution, $x = y = \dfrac{b}{1 + a}$.
If $a = 1$ both equations are $x + y = b$: consistent for every $b$, with infinitely many solutions.
If $a = -1$: $x - y = b$ and $-x + y = b$. Adding them gives $0 = 2b$, so the system is inconsistent when $b \neq 0$ and has infinitely many solutions when $b = 0$.
Answer: Unique for $a \neq \pm 1$ (any $b$). Inconsistent exactly when $a = -1$ and $b \neq 0$.
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