Linear Equation and Matrices 1

OBJECTIVES
1. Solve different kinds of linear systems using
elimination method.
Many problems in the natural and social sciences
2. Correctly identify different kinds of matrices. as well as in engineering and the physical sciences
3. Add and multiply vertices. deal with equations relating two sets of variables.
4. Prove the different properties of matrix An equation of the type 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏, expressing the
addition and matrix multiplication.
variable 𝑏 in terms of the variable 𝑥 and the
5. Solve linear systems using Gaussian
constant 𝑎, is called a linear equation. The word
Elimination, Gauss-Jordan Reduction, and LU
Factorization. linear is used here because the graph of the
equation above is a straight line.

In this unit, let us find why these linear equations are essentials to different fields and
how Linear Algebra differs from the College and Advanced Algebra you encountered
during your sophomore year.

Determine whether the statement is true or false.

_____1. A 2 × 2 linear system has one solution, no solutions, or infinitely many solutions.
_____2. A 3 × 3 linear system has no solutions, one solution, two solutions, three
solutions, or infinitely many solutions.
1 2 3 1 0
0 −1 4 3 2
_____3. The matrix 0 0 3 5 −2 does not have an inverse.
0 0 0 0 4
[0 0 0 0 6 ]

1 2
_____4. If 𝐴 = [ ], then 𝐴2 − 7𝐴 = 21
4 6
______5. If 𝐴 and 𝐵 are invertible matrices, then 𝐴 + 𝐵 is an invertible matrix.
_____6. If 𝐴 and 𝐵 are invertible matrices, then 𝐴𝐵 is an invertible matrix.
2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3
_____7. The linear system { is equivalent to the matrix equation
𝑥−𝑦 = 1
2 2 𝑥 3
[ ] [𝑦] = [ ].
1 −1 1
_____8. If the 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix 𝐴 is idempotent and invertible, then 𝐴 = 𝐼.
_____9. If 𝐴 and 𝐵 commute, then 𝐴𝑡 and 𝐵𝑡 commute.
2 −1 1 1
_____10. The inverse matrix [ ] is [ ].
3 1 −3 2
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.2

Many diverse applications are modeled by systems of equations. Systems of equations are
also important in mathematics and in particular in linear algebra. In this unit, we develop
systematic methods for solving systems of linear equations.
3
.
1.1 Linear Systems

Many naturally occurring processes are modeled using more than one equation and can
require many equations in many variables. For example, models of the economy contain
thousands of equations and variables. To develop this idea, consider the set of equations:

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2
{
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6

There are different methods in order to find the values of x and y. One of the methods
is the substitution method as shown below.

Method 1: Substitution MEthod

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 Eq. #1 Step 1: Name the two equations as

{ equation #1 and equation #2.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 Eq. #2

−𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 2 Step 2: Translate one equation in terms

𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 2 Eq. #3 of one variable and name it as
equation #3.

𝑥 + 2(2𝑥 − 2) = 6 Step 3: Substitute the translated

𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 4 = 6 equation to the other equation
5𝑥 − 4 = 6 and simplify to solve for the
5𝑥 = 6 + 4 value of x.
5𝑥 = 10
𝒙=𝟐

𝑦 = 2(2) − 2 Step 4: Substitute the value of x in one

𝒚=𝟐 of the equations. Either #1, #2,
or #3.

𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 Step 5: Check if the values of x and y

2 + 2(2) = 6 are correct by substituting them
6= 6
in other equations.
1.3 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2
In the given example, { , 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 2 or (2,2) is
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6
called the solution. A solution is the value represented by the
variable(s) that simultaneously satisfy each equation. In
graphical explanation, (2,2) is the unique point where the
equations 2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 and 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 intersect, as shown in
Figure 1(a). A system of equations is consistent if there is at
least one solution to the system. If there are no solutions, the
system is inconsistent. In the case of systems of two linear
equations with two variables, there are three possibilities.

The two lines have different slopes and hence intersect at a unique point,
1 as shown in Fig. 1(a).

The two lines are identical (one equation is a nonzero multiple of the
2 other), so there are infinitely many solutions, as shown in Fig. 1(b).

The two lines are parallel (have the same slope) and do not intersect, so
3 the system is inconsistent, as shown in Fig. 1(c).

(2,2)

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.4

The set of equations such as the

example above is called a system of DEFINITION System of Linear Equations
linear equations or linear system.
A system of 𝑚 linear equations in 𝑛 variables, or a
Any linear system can be solved
using different methods. Let’s linear system, is a collection of equations of the form
𝑎11 𝑥11 + 𝑎12 𝑥12 + ⋯ + 𝑎1𝑛 𝑥1𝑛 = 𝑏1
consider again the example above.
𝑎21 𝑥21 + 𝑎22 𝑥22 + ⋯ + 𝑎2𝑛 𝑥2𝑛 = 𝑏2
2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 𝑎31 𝑥31 + 𝑎32 𝑥32 + ⋯ + 𝑎3𝑛 𝑥3𝑛 = 𝑏3
{
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮
𝑎𝑚1 𝑥𝑚1 + 𝑎𝑚2 𝑥𝑚2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑚𝑛 𝑥𝑚𝑛 = 𝑚
This time, let’s solve it using
another way. This is called the This is also referred to as 𝑚 × 𝑛 linear system.
elimination method.

Method 2: elimination MEthod

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 Eq. #1 Step 1: Name the two equations as

{ equation #1 and equation #2.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 Eq. #2

(2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2) 2 Step 2: Multiply one of the equations by

{ any number so that the numerical
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6
coefficient of either x or y of
both equations are additive
4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 4 inverse. (Proceed to Step 3 if
{ the coefficients are already
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6
additive inverse.)

4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 4 Step 3: Add the two equations to

{ eliminate one of the variables
𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6
5𝑥 = 10 and solve for the value of the
𝒙=𝟐 other variable.

𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 6 Step 4: Substitute the value of the

2 + 2𝑦 = 6 variable in one of the equations,
2𝑦 = 6 − 2 either in #1 or #2 and solve for
2𝑦 = 4 the value of the other variable.
𝒚=𝟐

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 Step 5: Check if the values of x and y

2(2) − 2 = 2 are correct by substituting them
4−2=2 in other equation.
2=2

We used two different methods – (1) substitution and (2) elimination – to solve for the
values of the variables but we arrived in same answer. The values are 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 2 or
(2,2).
1.5 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7
Example #1 Consider the linear system {
2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 10
.
Let’s use the elimination method. In order to eliminate 𝑦, let’s multiply
the first equation by 2.
(𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7)2 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14
{ {
2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 10 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 10

Add the two equations.

2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14
+
2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 10
4𝑥 = −4
This means that 𝒙 = −𝟏. Substitute this to one of the equations to find
the value of 𝑦.
𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7
(−1) − 3𝑦 = −7
−3𝑦 = −7 + 1
−3𝑦 = −6
𝒚=𝟐

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7
Therefore, the solution for { is (-1,2).
2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 10

Example #2 𝑥+𝑦+ 𝑧= 4
Solve the linear system. {−𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 2
In elimination method, there is no rule which variable will be eliminated
first. But in this example, we will eliminate first the variable 𝑥 in the
first and second equation by adding the two equations.
𝑥+ 𝑦+ 𝑧= 4
−𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3
−𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 1 Eq. #4
We will also eliminate the variable 𝑥 in the second and third equation by
multiplying the second equation by 2.
(−𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3)2 −2𝑥 − 4𝑦 + 4𝑧 = −6
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 2 2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 2
Add the two equations to generate the equation #5.
−2𝑥 − 4𝑦 + 4𝑧 = −6
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 2
−5𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −4 Eq. #5
Eliminate the variable 𝑧 in the fourth and fifth equation by multiplying
the fourth equation by -2.
(−𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 1) − 2 2𝑦 − 6𝑧 = −2
−5𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −4 −5𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −4
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.6

Add the two equations.

2𝑦 − 6𝑧 = −2
+ −5𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −4
−3𝑦 = −6

This means that 𝑦 = 2. Substitute this to either equation #4 or #5 to

solve for the value of 𝑧.

−𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 1
−(2) + 3𝑧 = 1
3𝑧 = 1 + 2
3𝑧 = 3
𝒛=𝟏

Substitute the values of y and z to either equation #1, #2, or #3.

𝑥+𝑦+ 𝑧 = 4
𝑥+2+ 1 = 4
𝑥 =4−3
𝒙=𝟏

𝑥+𝑦+ 𝑧 = 4
Therefore, the solution for {−𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3 is (1,2,1).
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 2

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7
Example #3 Consider the linear system {
2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 7

Let’s eliminate the variable 𝑥 by multiplying the first equation by −2.

(𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7)(−2) −2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 14
{ {
2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 7 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 7

Add the two equations.

−2𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 14
+ 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = 7
0 = 21

This makes no sense. Therefore, the linear system is inconsistent or

does not have any solution.
1.7 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7
Consider the linear system {
Example #4 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14

Let’s eliminate the variable 𝑥 by multiplying the first equation by 2.

(𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −7)2 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14
{ {
2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14

Add the two equations.

2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14
+
2𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −14
0=0

If the result becomes 0 = 0, it means that the linear system

has infinitely many solutions.

I. Solve the given linear system by using substitution or elimination method.

1. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 8 2. 𝑥+𝑦 = 5
3𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 4 3𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 10

3. 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 = −12 4. 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −12
𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = −5 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 4𝑧 = 15
3𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 1 3𝑥 + 4𝑧 + 5𝑧 = −8

5. 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 2 6. 𝑥+𝑦 = 1
4𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 8 2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 5
𝑥−𝑦+𝑧 = 4 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 2

7. 𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 𝑧 = 12 8. 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 𝑧 = 8
3𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 4 6𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 3

II. Given the linear system:

2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 5
4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 𝑡

a. determine a value of 𝑡 so that the system has a solution.

b. determine a value of 𝑡 so that the system has no solution.
c. determine how many values of 𝑡 can be selected in part (b).
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.8

3
.
1.2 matrices and elementary row operations

If we examine the method of elimination described in the previous discussion, we can

observed that only the numerical coefficients are being changed as we perform the steps.
Thus, we might think of looking for a way of writing a linear system without having to
carry the unknowns or the variables. In this topic, we define an object, a matrix, which
enables us to do this – that is to write linear systems in a compact form that makes it
easier to automate the elimination method in order to obtain a fast and efficient
procedure for finding solutions.

But what is
a matrix?
DEFINITION Matrix
An 𝑚 × 𝑛 matrix is a rectangular array of 𝑚𝑛 real
numbers arranged in 𝑚 horizontal rows and 𝑛 vertical
columns.
𝑎11 𝑎12 ⋯ ⋯ 𝑎1𝑛
𝑎21 𝑎22 ⋯ ⋯ 𝑎2𝑛
𝐴= ⋮ ⋮ ⋯ ⋯ ⋮
⋮ ⋮ ⋯ ⋯ ⋮
𝑎
[ 𝑚1 𝑎𝑚2 ⋯ ⋯ 𝑎𝑚𝑛 ]

6 4 3
−1 9 10 This is a 4 × 3 matrix because it
For example: 𝐴 = [ ]
2 5 −2 has 4 rows and 3 columns.
−1 3 7

Note: In matrix, the elements inside the bracket are called an entry. We denote an
entry as 𝑎𝑖𝑗 where 𝑖 is the row number and 𝑗 is the column number. For example,
what is the 𝑎23 in matrix A?

6 4 3
−1 9 10
𝐴=[ ] 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 𝑎23 = 10 because 10 is the intersection of
2 5 −2
−1 3 7 the 2nd row and 3rd column.

Now your turn. Identify the following entries

on matrix A.
1. a41 = _________
2. a33 = _________
3. a24 = _________
4. a41 = _________
5. a34 = _________
1.9 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

6 4
𝐵=[
−1 9
] This is a 4 × 2 matrix because it
2 5 has 4 rows and 2 columns.
−1 3

6 4 3
𝐶 = [ 2 5 −2] This is a 3 × 3 matrix because it
−1 3 7 has 3 rows and 3 columns.

Note: Matrix C is a special type of matrix because the number of rows and columns are
equal. This is called a square matrix. The square matrix C has simply an order 3.
Special types of matrix are the following.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Square matrix – a matrix with the
𝐶 = [𝑑 𝑒 𝑓]
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖 same number of rows and columns

𝑎 0 0 Diagonal matrix – a square matrix

𝐷 = [0 𝑏 0] whose entries are zeroes except
0 0 𝑐 from the main diagonal
𝑎 0 0 Scalar matrix – a diagonal matrix
𝐸 = [0 𝑎 0] whose entries in the main diagonal
0 0 𝑎
are equal except 1’s or 0’s.
1 0 0 Unit matrix – a diagonal matrix
𝐹 = [0 1 0]
0 0 1 whose entries in the main diagonal
are all 1.
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 Upper triangular matrix – a square
𝐺 = [0 𝑑 𝑒] matrix whose entries below the
0 0 𝑓
main diagonal are zeroes.
𝑎 0 0 Lower triangular matrix – a square
𝐻 = [𝑏 𝑐 0] matrix whose entries above the
𝑑 𝑒 𝑓
main diagonal are zeroes.
𝑎
𝐼 = [𝑏 ] Column matrix – a matrix with only
𝑐 one column

Row matrix – a matrix with only

𝐽 = [𝑎 𝑏 𝑐]
one row.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑥
𝐾=[ 𝑑 𝑒 𝑓| 𝑦] Augmented matrix
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖 𝑧
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.10

Note: Augmented Matrix has two parts separated by a vertical line. The entries on
the left side are the numerical coefficients of a linear system while the entries
on the right side are the constants.

Linear System Augmented Matrix

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 7𝑧 = 3 3 2 7 3
4𝑥 + 9𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 6 [4 9 4| 6]
𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 3𝑧 = −9 1 8 −3 −9

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 7𝑧 = 3 3 2 7 3
4𝑥 + 9𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 6 [4 9 4| 6]
𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −9 1 8 0 −9
There is a missing term Missing terms should
here. be represented by 0.

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 7𝑧 = 3 3 2 7 3
4𝑥 + 4𝑧 = 6 [4 0 4| 6]
𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −9 1 8 0 −9

3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3 3 2 3
4𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 6 [4 4| 6]
𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −9 1 8 −9

3𝑤 + 2𝑥 + 7𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 3 3 2 7 −2 3
4𝑥 + 9𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 6 [0 4 9 4| 6]
𝑤 + 8𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −9 1 8 −3 2 −9

Why do we need to transform linear system to an augmented matrix?

Linear system with three or more unknowns is difficult to solve using elimination
or substitution method. A matrix allows us to solve for the values of the unknowns
a lot easier but we need to reduce first the augmented matrix into a row-echelon
form using a row reduction called Gaussian Elimination by a series of elementary
row operations.
What is a row-echelon form?

A row-echelon form is the equivalent augmented matrix of a linear system whose

entries lying on main diagonals are all 1. A row-echelon form is also an upper
triangular matrix.
1.11 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

9 −3 −2 −8 1 2 6 −10
[−3 5 2| 12] [0 1 2| −3]
1 1 5 −10 0 0 1 −2
Augmented matrix Row-echelon form

What is Gaussian Elimination?

Gaussian Elimination is a process of row reduction named after Carl Friedrich

Gauss. Using Gassian Elimination, the augmented matrix will be reduced to a row-
echelon form.

Carl Friedrich Gauss

Original name is Johann Friedrich Carl Gauss, (born April 30,
1777, Brunswick [Germany]—died February 23, 1855, Göttingen,
Hanover), German mathematician, generally regarded as one of
the greatest mathematicians of all time for his contributions
to number theory, geometry, probability theory, geodesy,
planetary astronomy, the theory of functions, and potential
theory (including electromagnetism).
Photo and biography were both grabbed from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-Friedrich-Gauss

What is row elementary operation?

It is a simple operation that allows us to transform a system of linear equation

to an equivalent linear system. There are three types of row elemenatry
operations; namely swap, scale, and pivot.

Elementary row operations

1 2 3
SWAP SCALE PIVOT
We just have to swap or switch In scale, we just have to multiply This operation allows us to add a
the position of any row. a row by any non-zero constants. multiple of row to another row.

9 −3 −2 −8 4 6 6 16 6 4 −3 27
[−3 5 2| 12] [ 5 −3 −2| −5] [2 4 1| 15]
1 1 5 −10 39 0 6 9 2 −3 −18 13
When we swap or switch the Let’s multiply the first row by 2 Let’s multiply the second row to
first and third rows, the matrix so the matrix will become -3 then add the product to the
will become first row replacing row 1 with
8 12 12 32
1 1 5 −10 [ 5 −3 −2| −5] the result. The matrix will be
[−3 5 2| 12] 39 0 6 9 0 8 −6 −18
9 −3 −2 −8 [2 4 1| 15]
Just indicate this notation.
Just indicate this notation. 2 −3 −18 13
Multiply Row 1 by 2: 2R1 → R1
Swap Row 1 to Row 3: R1 ↔ R3 Just indicate this notation.
Multiple Row 2 by -3 then add to
Row 1: -3R2 + R1 → R1
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.12

2𝑥 + 12𝑦 + 17𝑧 = −32

Let’s try. What are the values of the unknowns in { −3𝑥 − 7𝑦 − 8𝑧 = 6
𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −7

Method 3: gaussian elimination

2 12 17 −32 Step 1: Augmented Matrix. Translate the
[−3 −7 −8| 6] linear system into an augmented
1 4 6 −7
matrix.

There is no definite arrangement in using Step 2: Elementary Row Operations.

elementary row operations. In this Transform the augmented matrix
example, it’s much better if we use swap
into a row echelon form by using
first. Swap the first and third rows so
that the first entry in the augmented a series of elementary row
matrix will be 1. operations. Step two is the
2 12 17 −32 1 4 6 −7
longest process. There is no
[−3 −7 −8| 6] [−3 −7 −8| 6] definite procedure in this step.
1 4 6 −7 2 12 17 −32
R1↔R3
Just be reminded that our goal
is to translate the augmented
Next, we have to make -3 be zero by using
the pivot operation. Multiply the first matrix into a row echelon form.
row by 3 and add the product to the second
row.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[−3 −7 −8| 6] [0 5 10|−15] The row echelon form looks like
2 12 17 −32 2 12 17 −32 1 ∗ ∗∗
3R1+R2→R2 this [0 1 ∗|∗]. The entries in the
Then, we have to make 2 on the third row 0 0 1∗
be zero by using again the pivot main diagonal should be 1 and the
operation. Multiply the first row by -2
entries below them should be 0.
then add the product to the third row.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 5 10|−15] [0 5 10|−15]
2 12 17 −32 0 4 5 −18
-2R1+R3→R3
We may now proceed to the second column.
We have to make 5 be 1 by using the scale
operation. Just multiply the second row
by 1/5.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 5 10|−15] [0 1 2| −3]
0 4 5 −18 0 4 5 −18
1
R2→R2
5
Let’s move on to the third row. We have to
make 4 be 0 by using the pivot operation.
Multiply the second row by -4 then add the
result to the third row.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 1 2| −3] [0 1 2|−3]
0 4 5 −18 0 0 −3 −6
-4R2+R3→R3
Lastly, we have to make -3 be 1. Use the
scale operation by multiplying the third row
by -1/3.

1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 1 2|−3] [0 1 2|−3]
0 0 −3 −6 0 0 1 2
1
− 3R3→R3
1.13 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

The row echelon form we obtained can be Step 3: Back substitution. Using the row
reverted back to an equivalent linear system.
1 4 6 −7 𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −7 echelon form, we can now solve
[0 1 2|−3] { 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3 for the values of the unknowns by
0 0 1 2 𝑧=2
utilizing back substitution.
Since we now have a value for z which is 2, we
can substitute this to the second equation to In row echelon form, we obtained
get the value of y.
𝑦 + 2𝑧 = −3 the value of the third variable.
𝑦 + 2(2) = −3 This will be substituted to the
𝑦 + 4 = −3 second equation in order to find
𝑦 = −3 − 4
𝑦 = −7 the value of the second equation.
Lastly, substitute the values of y and z Lastly, we can now get the value
in the first equation. of the first variable by
𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −7
𝑥 + 4(−7) + 6(2) = −7
substituting the values of the
𝑥 − 28 + 12 = −7 other unknowns in the first
𝑥 − 16 = −7 equation.
𝑥=9
So the values of the unknowns are
x=9, y=-7, and z=.

For better understanding, let’s have more examples.

Example #1 Using Gaussian Elimination, find the values of the unknowns in

𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 4𝑧 = −5
{2𝑥 − 10𝑦 − 9𝑧 = −4
−𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 5𝑧 = 3
We first have to translate this into an augmented matrix.
𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 4𝑧 = −5 1 −6 −4 −5
{2𝑥 − 10𝑦 − 9𝑧 = −4 [ 2 −10 −9|−4]
−𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 5𝑧 = 3 −1 6 5 3
Let’s now perform elementary row operations. Since you already have
An idea about notations, the succeeding steps will be shown using
notations.
1 −6 −4 −5 2R + R → R 1 −6 −4 −5
3 2 2
[ 2 −10 −9|−4] [ 0 2 1| 2]
−1 6 5 3 −1 6 5 3
1 −6 −4 −5 R1 + R3 → R3 1 −6 −4 −5
[ 0 2 1| 2] [0 2 1| 2]
−1 6 5 3 0 0 1 −2
1 −6 −4 −5 1
R2 → R2 1 −6 −4 −5
2
[0 2 1| 2] [0 1 1/2| 1]
0 0 1 −2 0 0 1 −2

The equivalent linear system of the row echelon form is

𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 4𝑧 = −5 and by using back substitution, we can find
the values of the unknowns which are
1
{ 𝑦 +2𝑧 = 1
𝑧 = −2 x=-1, y=2, and z=-2.
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.14

Example #2 Using Gaussian Elimination, find the values of the unknowns in

𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 = 4
{ 3𝑥 − 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 2
𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 8
We first have to translate this into an augmented matrix.
𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 = 4 1 1 14
{ 3𝑥 − 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 2 [3 −1 −1|2]
𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 8 1 3 38
Let’s now proceed to elementary row operations.
1 1 14 -3R1 + R2 → R2
1 1 1 4
[3 −1 −1|2] [0 −4 −4|−10]
1 3 38 1 3 3 8

1 1 1 4 -R1 + R3 → R3 1 1 1 4
[0 −4 −4|−10] [0 −4 −4|−10]
1 3 3 8 0 2 2 4
1
1 1 1 4 - R2 → R2
4
1 1 1 4
[0 −4 −4|−10] [0 1 1|5/2]
0 2 2 4 0 2 2 4

1 1 1 4 -2R2 + R3 → R3 1 1 1 4
[0 1 1|5/2] [0 1 1|5/2]
0 2 2 4 0 0 0 −1

The third column corresponds to the equation 0=-1, it means that the
given linear system has no solution.

There’s one more method wherein the translation of row echelon form into a linear system
is no longer needed. This is the extension of Gaussian Elimination but without the back
substitution. We just have to translate row echelon form into a reduced row echelon
form.

row echelon form reduced row echelon form

1 a b d 1 0 0 a
[0 1 𝑐 | e] [0 1 0| b]
0 0 1 f 0 0 1 c

The difference is in reduced row echelon form, the entries on the left of the vertical
line are all 0’s aside from the entries in the main diagonal which are all 1’s.
1.15 | U n i t O n e LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES

2𝑥 + 12𝑦 + 17𝑧 = −32

Let’s try. What are the values of the unknowns in { −3𝑥 − 7𝑦 − 8𝑧 = 6
𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = −7

Method 4: gauss-Jordan Reduction

2 12 17 −32 Step 1: Augmented Matrix. Translate the
[−3 −7 −8| 6] linear system into an augmented
1 4 6 −7
matrix.

There is no definite arrangement in using

elementary row operations. In this Step 2: Elementary Row Operations.
example, it’s much better if we use swap Transform the augmented matrix
first. Swap the first and third rows so into a row echelon form by using
that the first entry in the augmented a series of elementary row
matrix will be 1. operations. Step two is the
2 12 17 −32 1 4 6 −7 longest process. There is no
[−3 −7 −8| 6] [−3 −7 −8| 6]
1 4 6 −7 2 12 17 −32 definite procedure in this step.
R1↔R3 Just be reminded that our goal
Next, we have to make -3 be zero by using is to translate the augmented
the pivot operation. Multiply the first matrix into a row echelon form.
row by 3 and add the product to the second
row.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[−3 −7 −8| 6] [0 5 10|−15] The row echelon form looks like
2 12 17 −32 2 12 17 −32
1 ∗ ∗∗
3R1+R2→R2
Then, we have to make 2 on the third row
this [0 1 ∗|∗]. The entries in the
be zero by using again the pivot 0 0 1∗
operation. Multiply the first row by -2 main diagonal should be 1 and the
then add the product to the third row. entries below them should be 0.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 5 10|−15] [0 5 10|−15]
2 12 17 −32 0 4 5 −18
-2R1+R3→R3
We may now proceed to the second column.
We have to make 5 be 1 by using the scale
operation. Just multiply the second row
by 1/5.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 5 10|−15] [0 1 2| −3]
0 4 5 −18 0 4 5 −18
1
R2→R2
5
Let’s move on to the third row. We have to
make 4 be 0 by using the pivot operation.
Multiply the second row by -4 then add the
result to the third row.
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 1 2| −3] [0 1 2|−3]
0 4 5 −18 0 0 −3 −6
-4R2+R3→R3
Lastly, we have to make -3 be 1. Use the
scale operation by multiplying the third row
by -1/3.

1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7
[0 1 2|−3] [0 1 2|−3]
0 0 −3 −6 0 0 1 2
1
− 3R3→R3
LINEAR EQUATION AND MATRICES U n i t O n e | 1.16

The row echelon form we obtained can be further Step 3: Reduced Row Echelon form. We can
reduced. First step is to make 2 in the second
row be zero by multiplying the third row by -2 extend the second step by
then add the product to the second row. reducing the row echelon form. We
1 4 6 −7 1 4 6 −7 just have to make all entries on
[0 1 2|−3] [0 1 0|−7] the left side of the vertical
0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2
R2-2R3→R2 line be 0 except from the main
Next, let’s change 6 in the first row to zero diagonals.
by multiplying the third row by -6 then add the
product to the first row.
We can possibly do this by using
1 4 6 −7 1 4 0 −19 elementary row operations.
[0 1 0|−7] [0 1 0| −7]
0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2
R1-6R3→R1
Lastly, let’s make 4 be 0 by multiplying
the second row by -4 then add the result
to first row.

1 4 0 −19 1 0 0 9
[0 1 0| −7] [0 1 0|−7]
0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2
R1-4R2→R1
So the values of the unknowns are
x=9, y=-7, and z=.

I. Solve the given linear system by using Gaussian Elimination and Gauss-
Jordan Reduction.

1. {
𝑥+𝑦 =1 2. 3𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 3
4𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 2 {4𝑥 − 7 − 3𝑧 = 3
−2𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −2

3. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1 4. 2𝑥 − 4𝑧 = 1
{2𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 0 {4𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 0
𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 =2 2𝑥 + 2𝑧 = 2

5. −𝑎 + 3𝑐 + 𝑑 = 2 6. −3𝑎 − 𝑏 + 3𝑐 + 3𝑑 = −3
{ 2𝑎 + 3𝑏 − 3𝑐 + 𝑑 = 2 { 𝑎−𝑏+𝑐+𝑑 = 3
2𝑎 − 2𝑏 − 2𝑐 − 𝑑 = −2 −3𝑎 + 3𝑏 − 𝑐 + 2𝑑 = 1