Finding Pivots in Row Reduction: Does a Zero on Top Matter?

[magma_saber]

Homework Statement

When row reducing and trying to find the pivots, does it matter if there is a zero on top?
i.e.:
1 2 3 4
0 8 0 5
0 0 4 6

i know that the 1st and 2nd columns are pivots but is the 3rd column a pivot also?

 

[ascapoccia]

no, it doesn't matter. It is still a pivot.