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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reduced row echelon form (RREF) of a 4x3 coefficient matrix representing a linear system with a unique solution. It is established that for a system with four equations and three unknowns, the RREF will have three leading 1's corresponding to the three variables, while the fourth row will consist entirely of zeros, indicating that the system is consistent and has a unique solution. The correct RREF format is confirmed as follows: [1 0 0 | x, 0 1 0 | y, 0 0 1 | z, 0 0 0 | 0].

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically RREF.
  • Familiarity with systems of linear equations.
  • Knowledge of matrix operations and transformations.
  • Ability to interpret the implications of leading 1's and zero rows in matrices.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of RREF in linear algebra.
  • Learn about the implications of unique and infinite solutions in linear systems.
  • Explore the Gaussian elimination method for solving systems of equations.
  • Investigate the relationship between the number of equations and unknowns in linear systems.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on linear algebra, as well as anyone involved in solving systems of equations and understanding matrix theory.

maximade
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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?
 

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