About Gaussian Elimination:

We previously learned how to solve a system of linear equations using graphing, substitution, and elimination. Now we will move on and learn how to perform this task using a matrix. A matrix is an ordered array of numbers. We can transform our matrix using row operations to gain a solution for our system.


Test Objectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to set up an augmented matrix
  • Demonstrate the ability to place a matrix in row-echelon form
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve a linear system using matrix methods
Gaussian Elimination Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: Solve each linear system using matrix methods.

a) $$-48y=20x - 8$$ $$-14 + 84y=-35x$$


#2:

Instructions: Solve each linear system using matrix methods.

a) $$-6y + 2x=14$$ $$9x - 12=10y$$


#3:

Instructions: Solve each linear system using matrix methods.

a) $$4x=26 - 10y$$ $$-6x=-12y - 12$$


#4:

Instructions: Solve each linear system using matrix methods.

a) $$x - 1=-\frac{8}{7}y$$ $$10x=-5y + 10$$


#5:

Instructions: Solve each linear system using matrix methods.

a) $$105 - 9x=6y$$ $$-5y=-41 - 8x$$


Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) $$\left[ \begin{array}{cc|c}1&\frac{12}{5}&\frac{2}{5}\\ 0&0&0 \end{array}\right] $$

Infinite number of solutions


#2:

Solutions:

a) $$\left[ \begin{array}{cc|c}1&-3&7\\ 0&1&-3 \end{array}\right] $$

{(-2,-3)}


#3:

Solutions:

a) $$\left[ \begin{array}{cc|c}1&\frac{5}{2}&\frac{13}{2}\\ 0&1&1 \end{array}\right] $$

{(4,1)}


#4:

Solutions:

a) $$\left[ \begin{array}{cc|c}1&\frac{8}{7}&1\\ 0&1&0 \end{array}\right] $$

{(1,0)}


#5:

Solutions:

a) $$\left[ \begin{array}{cc|c}1&\frac{2}{3}&\frac{35}{3}\\ 0&1&13 \end{array}\right] $$

{(3,13)}