canonical matrix

[daniel_i_l]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I have a question that doesn't relate to a specific problem:
Can any matrix be reduced to a canonical matrix?

2. Relevant equations

the three elementry operations

3. The attempt at a solution

I think that the answer is yes and that the only way that a linear system has no answer is when the lowest non-zero row has the form of: (0,..,0,1)
Is that right?
Thanks.

[matt grime]

What is a 'canonical' matrix? Jordan canonical form? Row echelon form? Reduced row echelon form?

[daniel_i_l]

Reduced row echelon form.

[matt grime]

Have you tried to put matrices in row ecehlon for using the operations? It's always worked, right. NOw, do you need to justify that, or is it just a yes/no question?

[daniel_i_l]

This wasn't a homework question, i just was asking to see if i understood correctly, so it's a yes/no question.