Elementary row operations question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around elementary row operations applied to a matrix as part of a linear algebra problem. Participants are attempting to manipulate the matrix through specified operations to achieve a desired form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct interpretation of the operations, particularly the meaning of "add -4 times Row 1 to Row 3." There is confusion regarding whether to add or multiply and how to apply the operations sequentially. Some participants share their intermediate results and question discrepancies in their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying misunderstandings about the operations. Some have arrived at intermediate results that align more closely with expected outcomes, while others are still working through their calculations. Guidance has been provided regarding the correct application of the row operations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a multiple-choice format, which adds pressure to ensure their calculations align with provided answer options. There is an emphasis on understanding the operations rather than simply obtaining the correct answer.

TonyC
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I am working with the following equation:
|1 -2 3|
|6 -11 15|
|4 -14 21|
a. add -4 time Row1 to Row 3
b. add -6 times Row 1 to Row 2
c. add 6 times Row 2 to Row 3
d. multiply row 3 by -1/9

I have come up with the following answer:
|24 -48 72|
|180 -354 522|
|-19.99 39.99 -58.99|

Where did I go wrong?
 
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Incidently, this is a multiple choice question and my answer isn't anywhere near any of the answers to choose from.
 
After the 1st 2 operations, you should have ended up with,

Code:
1 -2 3
0 1 -3
0 -6 9
 
When you say first two operations, do you mean a and b or a?

What am I messing up?

After I ran a, I had:

-4 8 -12
6 -11 15
0 -6 9
 
Why are you multiplying the first row by -4?
It says add -4 times Row 1 to Row 3.
Viet Dao,
 
What does that mean?
Do I add -4 to Row 3 or do I multiply -4 by Row 1 than add Row 1 to Row 3?
 
Add -4 times Row 1 To Row 3 means that you change Row 3 by adding -4 times Row 1 to it, and you don't change anything in Row 1, (ie: you just change Row 3).
Row 1 is: |1 -2 3|
-4 times Row 1 is : |-4 8 -12| (*)
You will add the (*) to row 3, which is:
|4 + (-4)xxxxxx-14 + 8xxxxxx21 + (-21)| = |0 -6 9|
You still keep Row 1. You only change Row 3. ie:
|1 -2 3|
|6 -11 15|
|0 -6 9|
Do the same for b, c, and d.
Viet Dao,
 
OH, I SEE!

I have come up with:
1 -2 3
0 1 -3
0 0 1

THANK YOU!
 
:smile: The light bulb has come on
 

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