How Should Solutions to a System of Linear Equations Be Expressed for Clarity?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on expressing solutions to a system of linear equations clearly. The system provided includes four equations with variables (x1, x2, x3, x4) and yields three specific solutions: (x1)=9, (x2)=4, (x3)=0, (x4)=0; (x1)=4, (x2)=1, (x3)=1, (x4)=0; and (x1)=-1, (x2)=-2, (x3)=2, (x4)=0. Participants recommend completing the row reduction to achieve reduced row-echelon form and utilizing the nullspace and particular solution to express the complete solution set.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, particularly systems of linear equations.
  • Familiarity with row reduction techniques and reduced row-echelon form.
  • Knowledge of nullspace and particular solutions in linear algebra.
  • Ability to interpret and express solutions in parametric form.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to perform row reduction to achieve reduced row-echelon form.
  • Study the concepts of nullspace and how to derive it from a matrix.
  • Research methods for expressing solutions to linear equations in parametric form.
  • Explore examples of representing lines and planes in linear algebra.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra, as well as educators seeking to clarify methods for expressing solutions to systems of linear equations.

Kiefer
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Find all solutions to the following system of linear equations:
(x1) – 2(x2) – (x3)+(x4)=1
2(x1) – 3(x2) + (x3) – (x4)=6
3(x1) – 3(x2) + 6(x3))=15
(x1) + 5(x3)+(x4)=9

Using a system of linear equations, I found:
1 -2 -1 0 1
0 1 3 -3 4
0 0 0 6 0
0 0 0 0 0

so three solutions are:
(x1)=9, (x2)=4, (x3)=0, (x4)=0
(x1)=4, (x2)=1, (x3)=1, (x4)=0
(x1)=-1, (x2)=-2, (x3)=2, (x4)=0

How do I write my final solution (ie:what form)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kiefer said:
Find all solutions to the following system of linear equations:
(x1) – 2(x2) – (x3)+(x4)=1
2(x1) – 3(x2) + (x3) – (x4)=6
3(x1) – 3(x2) + 6(x3))=15
(x1) + 5(x3)+(x4)=9

Using a system of linear equations, I found:
1 -2 -1 0 1
0 1 3 -3 4
0 0 0 6 0
0 0 0 0 0

so three solutions are:
(x1)=9, (x2)=4, (x3)=0, (x4)=0
(x1)=4, (x2)=1, (x3)=1, (x4)=0
(x1)=-1, (x2)=-2, (x3)=2, (x4)=0

How do I write my final solution (ie:what form)?

Every solution is a point on a line that goes through <9, 4, 0, 0>. Your book should have some examples of representing lines with a parameter.

I would advise finishing your row reduction to get the matrix in reduced row-echelon form.
 
Express it into its nullspace (all the special solutions) and particular solution, if you've done that in linear algebra? The sum of the nullspace and particular solution gives the complete solution.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K