What Does the RREF of a 4x3 Matrix with a Unique Solution Look Like?

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A linear system with four equations and three unknowns that has a unique solution will have a reduced row echelon form (RREF) where the first three rows correspond to the three variables, and the fourth row will consist entirely of zeros. This indicates that while there are more equations than unknowns, the system remains consistent and does not lead to multiple solutions. The RREF will look like this: [1 0 0 | x, 0 1 0 | y, 0 0 1 | z, 0 0 0 | 0]. The presence of a zero row confirms that the system is overdetermined but still has a unique solution. Thus, the RREF reflects the unique solution condition despite the additional equation.
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Homework Statement


Consider a linear system of four equations with three unknowns. We are told that the system has a unique solution. What does the rref of the co efficient matrix look like?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


When it says "unique solution" I'm going to guess it means it has 1 solution.
Correct me if I'm wrong but, I believe that a system of 3 equations with 3 unknowns that has a unique solution will look like this:
[ 1 0 0 l x
0 1 0 l y
0 0 1 l z]

But for a system that has 4 equations with three unknowns, would it look like this:
[ 1 0 0 l x
0 1 0 l y
0 0 1 l z
0 0 0 l k] ?
This is what gets me, when a row has all 0's it means that it has multiple solutions.
Thanks in advance.
 
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maximade said:

Homework Statement


Consider a linear system of four equations with three unknowns. We are told that the system has a unique solution. What does the rref of the co efficient matrix look like?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


When it says "unique solution" I'm going to guess it means it has 1 solution.
Correct me if I'm wrong but, I believe that a system of 3 equations with 3 unknowns that has a unique solution will look like this:
[ 1 0 0 l x
0 1 0 l y
0 0 1 l z]

But for a system that has 4 equations with three unknowns, would it look like this:
[ 1 0 0 l x
0 1 0 l y
0 0 1 l z
0 0 0 l k] ?
This is what gets me, when a row has all 0's it means that it has multiple solutions.
Thanks in advance.

x=1, y=2, z=3 and x+y=3 has a unique solution. What does it's rref look like?
 
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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