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

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The discussion focuses on expressing solutions to a system of linear equations clearly. The system provided yields three specific solutions, which are points in a multidimensional space. To present the final solution effectively, it is recommended to complete the row reduction to achieve reduced row-echelon form. Additionally, expressing the solution in terms of a parameter can clarify the relationship between the solutions, as they lie on a line through a specific point. The complete solution can be derived by combining the nullspace and the particular solution.
Kiefer
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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)?
 
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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.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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