Augmented Matrices
A matrix is simply an organized array of numbers arranged in rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical). We describe a matrix by its dimensions: the number of rows "by" the number of columns. For example, a matrix with 2 rows and 3 columns is a 2×3 matrix.
When solving systems of equations, we use augmented matrices by adding a vertical line to separate the coefficients from the constants. For example, the system of equations x + 3y = 9 and -x + 4y = -2 becomes:
[1 3 | 9]
[-1 4 | -2]
Our goal is to transform augmented matrices into reduced row-echelon form, where:
- Rows with all zeros are at the bottom
- The first non-zero entry in each row is 1
- Each of these leading 1's appears in a different column
💡 Think of row-echelon form as the "solved" version of your system, where each variable is isolated!
To achieve this form, we use Gaussian elimination alsocalledGauss−Jordanelimination, which allows three types of operations:
- Interchange any two rows
- Multiply or divide a row by a non-zero constant
- Add or subtract rows from each other
When a matrix reaches the form where x = -2, y = 1, z = 3, you've successfully solved your system of equations!