Matrix Equations: Solving for a, b, c, and d | Elementary Linear Algebra Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving matrix equations for the variables a, b, c, and d, as well as understanding the implications of the determinant in the context of linear algebra. Participants are seeking help with specific problems from elementary linear algebra, including both theoretical and practical aspects of matrix manipulation and systems of equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with solving the matrix equation and seeks guidance on how to start.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the matrix equation as a system of four equations to facilitate solving for a, b, c, and d.
  • Some participants discuss the meaning of the determinant ad-bc and its implications for the existence of solutions in systems of equations.
  • There are multiple interpretations of the equations, with some participants providing different solutions and approaches to solving the matrix equations.
  • One participant shares their attempt to solve the equations but arrives at different values than those provided in the textbook, prompting questions about where they went wrong.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the determinant and its role in determining the uniqueness of solutions for the system of equations.
  • Several participants express challenges with using LaTeX for formatting their mathematical expressions, indicating a need for clarity in presenting their work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct values for a, b, c, and d, as there are conflicting solutions presented. Additionally, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the determinant and its implications for the system of equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention missing signs or errors in their calculations, indicating that there may be unresolved mathematical steps affecting their conclusions. The discussion also highlights varying levels of understanding among participants regarding fundamental concepts in linear algebra.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying elementary linear algebra, particularly those struggling with matrix equations and determinants, may find this discussion helpful. Additionally, individuals seeking to improve their LaTeX skills for mathematical writing could benefit from the shared experiences of participants.

jubej
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Im going crazy here please help me, i have tried to solve this but i don't know where to start.

1) Solve the following matrix equeations for a,b,c and d.


\left[\begin{array}{cc}a-b & b+c \\ 3d+c & 2a-4d\end{array}\right] = \left[\begin{array}{cc}8 & 1 \\ 7 & 6\end{array}\right]


this is another separate problem:
2)
a) show that if ad-bc \neq 0, then the reduced row- echelon form of

\left[\begin{array}{cc}a & b \\ c & d\end{array}\right] is \left[\begin{array}{cc}1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1\end{array}\right]

b) Use part a) to show that the system
ax+by = k
cx+dy = l

has exactly one solution when ad-bc \neq 0

thnx for any help i have started elementary algebra and everyone its in chapter 5 in the book and I am in the 1 chapter, but don't want to give up. the book of the course its

Elemtary linear algebra by Howard Anton and Chris Rorres. i don't know if its a good book. but i try to understand it, do you have any other suggestion of a great book for people like me...noob :(
 
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Firstly, thanks so much for writing in LaTeX. Too many users, myself included are too lazy at times to post in LaTeX and the resulting mess scares off potential homework helpers in these forums.

Ok, let's look at the first question. Note that it is written in the form of a matrix, but that it may be written equivalently as a system of 4 equations (write out all the components of the matrix of the LHS and equate it with the RHS):

a - b = 8
b + c = 1
3d + c = 7
2a - 4d = 6

Now do you know how to solve this system of equations for values of a,b,c,d?

For (2), firstly, ask yourself what is ad-bc ? I don't mean the numerical value of ad-bc for any 2x2 matrix, but what mathematical interpretation is given to ad-bc for 2x2 matrices? Once you figured out, ask yourself next what does it mean for that mathematical interpretation of ad - bc to satisfy ≠ 0 ?

b) follows from a). Once you realize what ad-bc means for 2x2 matrices, and also if that ≠0, then you would realize (if you remember the implication for a system of 2 equations and 2 unknowns to have 1 solution exactly and what entails it to possesses such a property) the answer.
 
im nogod at math i don't even now algebra but i want to give this a try to a-b=8 b+c=1 that means 8-0=8 and 0+1=1 right
 
hello thnx for the reply Defennder. but i still get it wrong and i don't know why.

1) \left[\begin{array}{cc}a-b & b+c \\ 3d+c & 2a-4d\end{array}\right]
I treat it like you suggested
a-b=8
b+c=1
3d+c=7
2a+4d=6

and then i did something like this:

\left[\begin{array}{cc}1,-1,0,0,8 \\ 0, 1,1,0,1\\0,0,1,3,7\\2,0,0,4,6\end{array}\right]

and then solve it like regular matrix like the first step is multiply the first row by -2 and ad it to the fourth row. and etc but then after i get to the reduced row -echelon form i get that a=3
b=-5
c=6
and d= 1/3. but in the book the answer is a=5, b=-3, c=4 and d= 1

so where do i do wrong?

and the second i don't really understand what ad-bc means, i see that its the diagonal of the system minus the diagonal of the second colum, but what does it really mean?

by the why i try to write in LaTeX to write the formulas but its quite hard, like who to get the augmented matrise to stay in the same colum? as you see the first row and the rest differ from each other.
 
Last edited:
allanworks said:
im nogod at math i don't even now algebra but i want to give this a try to a-b=8 b+c=1 that means 8-0=8 and 0+1=1 right

Those are two equations in 3 unknowns. a= 8, b= 0, c= 1 is one possible solution but there are infinitely more. You have not used all the equations: a-b+ 8, b+ c= 1, 3d+ c= 7, and 2a-4c= 6, four equations is four unknowns which is simple.
 
jubej said:
1) \left[\begin{array}{cc}a-b & b+c \\ 3d+c & 2a-4d\end{array}\right]
I treat it like you suggested
a-b=8
b+c=1
3d+c=7
2a+4d=6

and then i did something like this:

\left[\begin{array}{cc}1,-1,0,0,8 \\ 0, 1,1,0,1\\0,0,1,3,7\\2,0,0,4,6\end{array}\right]

When using determinants to solve linear equations, you equate a side of variables to a constant and solve the matrix equation.

The matrix equation we are looking at is:

-\left\begin{bmatrix}1 & -1 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 1 & 1 & 0\\0 & 0 & 1 & 3\\2 & 0 & 0 & 4\end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{cc}a\\ b\\ c\\ d\end{array}\right] = \left[\begin{array}{cc}8\\1\\7\\6\end{array}\right]

which gives:

-\left[\begin{array}{cc}a\\b\\c\\d\end{array}\right] = \left\begin{bmatrix}0.4 & 0.4 & -0.4 & 0.3\\-0.6 & 0.4 & -0.4 & 0.3\\0.6 & 0.6 & 0.4 & -0.3\\-0.2 & -0.2 & 0.2 & 0.1\end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{cc}8\\1\\7\\6\end{array}\right]

solving it, we get:

-\left[\begin{array}{cc}a\\b\\c\\d\end{array}\right] = \left[\begin{array}{cc}2.6\\ -5.4\\ 6.4\\ 0.2\end{array}\right]

which essentially gives:

<br /> a = -2.6 ;<br /> b = 5.4 ;<br /> c = -6.4 ;<br /> d = -0.2 <br />
 
jubej said:
hello thnx for the reply Defennder. but i still get it wrong and i don't know why.

1) \left[\begin{array}{cc}a-b &amp; b+c \\ 3d+c &amp; 2a-4d\end{array}\right]
I treat it like you suggested
a-b=8
b+c=1
3d+c=7
2a+[/color]4d=6 <--- fix error propagating from here[/color]

and then i did something like this:

\left[\begin{array}{cc}1,-1,0,0,8 \\ 0, 1,1,0,1\\0,0,1,3,7\\2,0,0,4,6\end{array}\right]

and then solve it like regular matrix like the first step is multiply the first row by -2 and ad it to the fourth row. and etc but then after i get to the reduced row -echelon form i get that a=3
b=-5
c=6
and d= 1/3. but in the book the answer is a=5, b=-3, c=4 and d= 1

so where do i do wrong?
You missed a minus sign before 4.
 
Last edited:
jubej said:
and the second i don't really understand what ad-bc means, i see that its the diagonal of the system minus the diagonal of the second colum, but what does it really mean?

by the why i try to write in LaTeX to write the formulas but its quite hard, like who to get the augmented matrise to stay in the same colum? as you see the first row and the rest differ from each other.
I trust the others have explained the first part clearly enough. For the 2nd part, have you learned anything about determinants yet? If you have, then you should realize that ad-bc is the determinant of a 2x2 matrix. Now ask yourself what it means for det(2x2 matrix) ≠ 0. This is essentially the answer to 2a).

For 2b), you need to know what does the fact that a system of 2 linearly independent equations with 2 unknowns have exactly one solution entail. In other words, for a generalised theorem, if there's a system of n linearly independent equations with n unknowns, then that system of linear equations would have exactly one solution for all the unknowns. Remember this?

Now when you have that in mind, consider what it means if the system of n linear equations with n unknowns is to be represented in the form of a nxn matrix. If there is only one unique solution for the system of linear equations (in your case for 2 linear equations), then the nxn matrix which represents the the system would have one special property. Can you figure out what it is? And that is essentially the answer to 2b)
 

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