System of linear equations (Finding Real numbers in a Unique Solution)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a system of linear equations involving real numbers and the conditions under which the system has a unique solution. The equations include variables x, y, and z, and a parameter λ that influences the solution set.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore rearranging the equations and transforming them into augmented matrix form. There are attempts to substitute specific values for λ to investigate the uniqueness of solutions. Some participants question the implications of setting λ to zero and whether it leads to a unique solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants offering insights into the nature of the equations and the conditions for uniqueness. Some guidance has been provided regarding the determinant of the coefficient matrix and the implications of forcing certain variable values based on λ.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the correct form of the equations and the implications of different values of λ. Participants are also considering the impact of specific values on the solution set, including the case where x, y, and z may not be uniquely determined.

mlk771
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


For which real numbers  does the following system have a unique solution?
[tex]14x - 6y + 18z = 2\lambda z[/tex]
[tex]x = \lambda x[/tex]
[tex]3x - 8y = -\lambda y[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



hi, I rearranged the equations so that becomes:

[tex]x + 0y + 0z = \lambda x[/tex]
[tex]3x - 8y + 0z = -\lambda y[/tex]
[tex]14x - 6y + 18z = 2\lambda z[/tex]
right?
then I put it in Augmented shape and letting lambda to be 1:

[1 0 0 | 1]
[3 -8 0 |-1]
[14 -6 18 | 2]

After that, I kept trying real numbers from -5 to 5 and everyone of them gave me a unique solution, which is what i want.

In this case are the values should be Real numbers?

But I am still confused about letting lambda = 0, in this case x = y = z = 0;

is this looks a unique solution? if no, then obviously I will have R-{0}

Please help me understand this question.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This must have come from an eigenvalue problem. Your system of equations can be rewritten:

[tex]\left(\begin{array}{ccc}<br /> 1-\lambda & 0 & 0\\<br /> 3 & -8 + \lambda & 0\\<br /> 14 & -65 & 18-2\lambda <br /> \end{array} \right)<br /> \left(\begin{array}{c}<br /> x\\<br /> y\\<br /> z <br /> \end{array} \right)=<br /> <br /> \left(\begin{array}{c}<br /> 0\\<br /> 0\\<br /> 0 <br /> \end{array} \right)[/tex]

This homogeneous system of equations will have a unique solution if the determinant of coefficients is nonzero and otherwise not. Look at that.
 
mlk771 said:

Homework Statement


For which real numbers  does the following system have a unique solution?
[tex]14x - 6y + 18z = 2\lambda z[/tex]
[tex]x = \lambda x[/tex]
[tex]3x - 8y = -\lambda y[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



hi, I rearranged the equations so that becomes:

[tex]x + 0y + 0z = \lambda x[/tex]
[tex]3x - 8y + 0z = -\lambda y[/tex]
[tex]14x - 6y + 18z = 2\lambda z[/tex]
right?
then I put it in Augmented shape and letting lambda to be 1:

[1 0 0 | 1]
[3 -8 0 |-1]
[14 -6 18 | 2]
No, this would be correct only if the equations were x+ 0y+ 0z= 1, 3x- 8y+ 0z= -1, 4x- 6y+ 18z= 2, not with x, y, and z on the right side.

After that, I kept trying real numbers from -5 to 5 and everyone of them gave me a unique solution, which is what i want.

In this case are the values should be Real numbers?

But I am still confused about letting lambda = 0, in this case x = y = z = 0;

is this looks a unique solution? if no, then obviously I will have R-{0}

Please help me understand this question.

Thanks
 
Sorry all, there was a mistake

1. Homework Statement
For which real numbers λ does the following system have a unique solution?
 
Please any help here,
 
If you don't know how to calculate determinants then that's not necessary in this problem.

You can look at the equations one at a time, starting with the one that only contains x.

Now, depending on λ, x may be forced to have certain values. If x,y and z isn't forced to have certain values, then you will have a lot of solutions to the system.

You will want to split up this problem into the case when x is forced to a certain value and the case where x is free to take any value. x taking any value would mean many solutions to the system, so you want to select λ so that this case won't happen. Now, if you write the equation down on a piece of paper and think a bit I think you'll understand how to continue with y and z.
 
well, thanks

I'm still confused..

I tried to solve it be making λx, λy and λz as parts of right side vector b like: b1, b2, b3..

then found rref of the augmented matrix and I came up with these vaues for λx, λy and λz:

λx = λ
λy = (1/8)λy + (3/8)λx
λz = -2λx -(3/8)λy

I have a similar prob but don't know if it related or no..I attached it
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.png
    Untitled.png
    24.7 KB · Views: 569

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K