Linear Algebra: Conceptual Question

[courtrigrad]

If you want to show that a system of equations is inconsistent, does the matrix have to be in row-reduced echleon form? For example, I have a matrix which as 0,0,0| 1 as a row. The matrix is not in row-reduced echleon form. So can I still conclude that the system is inconsistent? Or would I have to reduce it further to get it to have a row like the one above?


Thanks

 

[matt grime]

There is no reason that anything has to be in row reduced form, other than for computational convenience.