Solve system of equations with inverse matrix

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a system of equations using the inverse of a matrix. The user initially found the inverse of matrix A and attempted to use it to solve a system of equations but encountered inconsistencies in the results. After clarifying the correct system of equations, they successfully solved it using row operations, confirming the results held true. The conversation highlighted the importance of correctly identifying the matrix and its inverse in relation to the system of equations. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue by correctly applying the inverse matrix to the problem, leading to a valid solution.
username12345
Messages
47
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Find the inverse matrix of A, then use this inverse to solve system of equation.

A is a given 3 x 3 matrix and the system of equations is 3 equations in 3 unknowns.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have found the inverse of A using an augmented identity matrix. Checked this inverse by taking product of A and inverse A and got identity matrix.

The system of equations is something like this (these are not the actual values):

6x - 2y = 10
14x - 4y + 4z = 3
6x - 2y + 2z = 14

Now when I take the product of inverse A and [10 3 14] to solve for x, y and z, putting these values into the original equations does not hold.

I was told to try re-arrange the equations and compare to the inverse matrix, but can't seem to find a solution.

Note that by swapping 2 rows in my inverse matrix the co-effiecients of the unkowns in the system of equations are the same as the entries in the matrix.

Gee I hope that made sense.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Without knowing what the system of equations is, it's not possible to know whether the system is inconsistent or you have made a mistake. If you have matrix equation A[x y z]T = [c1 c2 c3]T, and A has an inverse, then the solution to the matrix equation is [x y z]T = A-1[c1 c2 c3]T.
 
It would be helpful if you showed us what you took as A and whether or not you inverted it correctly.

To repeat what Mark said in a slightly less abstract manner, this is the system you're trying to solve:
<br /> \left( \begin{matrix} 6 &amp; -2 &amp; 0 \\ 14 &amp; -4 &amp; 4 \\ 6 &amp; -2 &amp; 2 \end{matrix}\right) \left( \begin{matrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{matrix}\right) =\left( \begin{matrix} 10 \\ 3 \\14\end{matrix}\right)<br />

Did you take the matrix on the left hand side as A?
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
Without knowing what the system of equations is, it's not possible to know whether the system is inconsistent or you have made a mistake.

The system is consistent, I can solve it using row operations, however we are explicitly asked to use the inverse matrix of A to solve this particular system.

Cyosis said:
It would be helpful if you showed us what you took as A and whether or not you inverted it correctly.

I am given this matrix A:
<br /> A = \left( \begin{matrix} 1 &amp; 0 &amp; -2 \\ 3 &amp; 1 &amp; -6 \\ 0 &amp; 1 &amp; 1 \end{matrix}\right) <br />

And produce this inverse:
A^{-1} = \left( \begin{matrix} 7 &amp; -2 &amp; 2 \\ -3 &amp; 1 &amp; 0 \\ 3 &amp; -1 &amp; 1 \end{matrix}\right)

now I must use this inverse to solve the system. This is a 2 part question, each part with a system to solve. Part a works with this inverse. Part b (the system given in this thread) does not. The actual given system is:

3x - y = 5
7x - 2y + 2z = 3
3x - y + z = 7

Using row operations I get to row-echelon form and use back substitution to get z = 2, y = -38 and x = -11 and the original equations hold.

Using the inverse matrix gives z = 19, y = -12 and x = 43 and using these the original equations do not hold. I do this:

\left( \begin{matrix} x &amp; y &amp; z \end{matrix}\right) = \left( \begin{matrix} 7 &amp; -2 &amp; 2 \\ -3 &amp; 1 &amp; 0 \\ 3 &amp; -1 &amp; 1 \end{matrix}\right) \left( \begin{matrix} 5 &amp; 3 &amp; 7 \\ \end{matrix}\right)

The co-efficients in the system are almost the same as the entries in the inverse matrix.
 
Last edited:
3x - y = 5
7x - 2y + 2z = 3
3x - y + z = 7

Re-write this as

7x - 2y + 2z = 3
-3x + y = -5
3x-y+z=7

Now write down this in the matrix for AX=B.

Take a look at the matrix A and the inverse you calculated before.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Take a look at the matrix A and the inverse you calculated before.

The entries are the same, but then? Perhaps I am missing some idea or principle.

If AX = B, then A is the co-efficients, B is the numbers after the equals, X is the vector (x y z) but where does the inverse come into the story?
 
rock.freak667 had the solution.

3x - y = 5
7x - 2y + 2z = 3
3x - y + z = 7

Re-write this as

7x - 2y + 2z = 3
-3x + y = -5
3x-y+z=7

By letting B = the co-efficients of the system then B = inverse A, so A = inverse B.

then, Bx = b, where b = [3 -5 7]
so, x = inverse B b
thus x = A b

solving this for x, y and z and checking original system holds. YES!

Thanks to everyone for the help.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
947
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K