Linear Algebra and Its Applications (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032198238X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32198-238-4

Chapter 1 - Linear Equations in Linear Algebra - 1.1 Exercises - Page 10: 16

Answer

The system is consistent. Infinitely many solutions will exist.

Work Step by Step

The procedure is shown with the matrix notation for simpler understanding. $x_{1} - 2x_{4} = -3$ $2x_{2} + 2x_{3} = 0$ $x_{3} + 3x_{4} = 1$ $-2x_{1} + 3x_{2} + 2x_{3} + x_{4} = 5$ This can be depicted in the augmented matrix notation as follows : $\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & -2 & -3\\ 0 & 2 & 2 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 1& 3 & 1\\ -2 & 3 & 2 & 1 & 5 \end{bmatrix}$ To eliminate the $-2x_{1}$ term in the fourth row, add $2$ times row 1 to row 4: $\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & -2 & -3\\ 0 & 2 & 2 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 1& 3 & 1\\ 0 & 3 & 2 & -3 & -1 \end{bmatrix}$ To eliminate the $3x_{2}$ term in the fourth row, add $-3/2$ times row 2 to row 4: $\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & -2 & -3\\ 0 & 2 & 2 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 1& 3 & 1\\ 0 & 0 & -1 & -3 & -1 \end{bmatrix}$ To eliminate the $-x_{3}$ term in the fourth row, add $1$ times row 3 to row 4: $\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & -2 & -3\\ 0 & 2 & 2 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 1& 3 & 1\\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{bmatrix}$ $x_{1} - 2x_{4} = -3 $ $2x_{2} + 2x_{3} = 0$ $x_{3} + 3x_{4} = 1$ $0x_{4} = 0$ Now, we know that the last equation is true for infinite values of $x_{4}$. Back substituting these values into the other equations, we can find that there will be infinite subsequent values of $x_{3}$, $x_{2}$ and $x_{1}$ for each value of $x_{4}$. Hence, infinitely many solutions exist. Thus, the system is consistent.
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