11 Matrices

The concept of matrices and determinants was probably first understood by the
Babylonians, who were certainly studying systems of linear equations. However, it was
Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, written during the Han Dynasty in China between
200 BC and 100 BC, which gave the first known example of matrix methods as set up
in the problem below.
There are three types of corn, of which three bundles of the first, two of the second,
and one of the third make 39 measures. Two of the first, three of the second and one
of the third make 34 measures. One of the first, two of the second and three of the
third make 26 measures. How many measures of corn are contained in one bundle of
each type?

This chapter will reveal

that we now write linear
equations as the rows of
a matrix rather than
columns, but the
method is identical.

The author of the text sets up the coefficients of the system of three linear equations
in three unknowns as a table on a counting board (see Matrix 1). The author now
instructs the reader to multiply the middle column by 3 and subtract the right
column as many times as possible. The right column is then subtracted as many times as
possible from 3 times the first column (see Matrix 2). The left-most column is then
multiplied by 5 and the middle column is subtracted as many times as possible (see
Matrix 3).
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
1
1
26 34 39
Matrix 1

0
0
3
4
5
2
8
1
1
39 24 39
Matrix 2

0
0
36
99

0
3
5
2
1
1
24 39
Matrix 3

Looking at the left-hand column, the solution can now be found for the third type of
corn. We can now use the middle column and substitution to find the value for the
second type of corn and finally the right-hand column to find the value for the first
type of corn. This is basically the method of Gaussian elimination, which did not
become well known until the early 19th century and is introduced in this chapter.

268

11 Matrices

11.1 Introduction to matrices

Definitions
Elements: The numbers or symbols in a matrix.
Matrix: A rectangular array of numbers called entries or elements.
Row: A horizontal line of elements in the matrix.
Column: A vertical line of elements in the matrix.
Order: The size of the matrix. A matrix of order m  n has m rows and n columns.
2
Hence the matrix A 
3

4
7

1
has six elements, two rows, three columns, and its
1

order is 2  3.
The most elementary form of matrix is simply a collection of data in tabular form like this:

Sales of
Butter
Cheese
Milk

Week
2
70
114
69

1
75
102
70

75
This data can be represented using the matrix 102
70

70
114
69

A matrix is usually denoted

by a capital letter.
A square matrix is one that
has the same number of
rows as columns.

3
82
100
72

82
100.
72

Operations
Equality
Two matrices are equal if they are of the same order and their corresponding elements
are equal.

Example
2
Find the value of a if
3

5
a

4
3

5
.
4

Clearly in this case, a  2.

Addition and subtraction

To add or subtract two or more matrices, they must be of the same order. We add or
subtract corresponding elements.

269

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

Example
2
1

Evaluate

4
3

2
4

3
6

7
4

8
In this case the answer is
3

2
1

If the question appears

on a calculator paper and
does not involve variables,
then a calculator can be
used to do this.

7
.
2
10
.
5

m  n matrix by an n  p matrix is possible because the first matrix has n columns

and the second matrix has n rows. If this is not the case, then the multiplication cannot
be carried out. The answer matrix has the same number of rows as the first matrix and
the same number of columns as the second.
1m  n2  1n  p2
This is the size of the answer
matrix, m  p.

We can now return to the example of a matrix given at the beginning of the chapter
where the table

Sales of
Butter
Cheese
Milk

Week
2
70
114
69

1
75
102
70

This tells us the matrix can be multipled.

To find the element in the first row and first column of the answer matrix we multiply
the first row by the first column. The operation is the same for all other elements in the
answer. For example, the answer in the second row, third column of the answer comes
from multiplying the second row of the first matrix by the third column of the second
matrix.

3
82
100
72

a
The matrices A 
d
75
can be represented as the matrix 102
70

70
114
69

82
100.
72
78
101
75

In this case AB 

79
109
74

The scalar outside the matrix multiplies every element of the matrix.

4
2 .
5

3
In this case the answer is 9
3

6
3
9

t
q
and D  u, then it is not possible to find
s
v

matrix multiplied by a 2  2 matrix.

This can be done by
calculator, but is probably
easier to do mentally.

Example
6
4
5

5 2
7

1
.
3

We have a 4  2 matrix multiplied by a 2  2 matrix, and hence they can be

multiplied and the answer will be a 4  2 matrix.
12
6 .
15

Multiplication of matrices
To multiply two matrices there are a number of issues we need to consider. In matrix
multiplication we multiply each row by each column, and hence the number of columns
in the first matrix must equal the number of rows in the second matrix. Multiplying an

270

aq  bs  cu
. BA could also be found, and would
dq  es  fu

either CD or DC since we have a 2  2 matrix multiplied by a 3  1 matrix or a 3  1

3
2
Evaluate
1
3

Example
2
1
3

ap  br  ct
dp  er  ft

p
If we consider the case of C 
r

161
209.
146

Multiplication by a scalar

1
Evaluate 3 3
1

q
s are 2  3 and 3  2, so they can be
u

be a 3  3 matrix.

represents the sales in another branch of the shop, then adding the matrices together
148
215
144

p
c
and B  r
f
t

multiplied to find AB, which will be a 2  2 matrix.

79
If this were to represent the sales in one shop, and the matrix 97
81
154
would give the total combined sales i.e. 199
151

b
e

3
2

1
3

6
4
5

5 2
7

13  52  16  22
1
12  52  14  22

3
11  52  15  22
13  52  17  22
27
2

5
1

13  12  16  32
12  12  14  32

11  12  15  32
13  12  17  32

15
14

16
24

271

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

possible both ways, the matrices are of different orders. Only in the case of a square
matrix is it possible to multiply both ways and gain an answer of the same order, and
even then the answers are often not the same.

Example
3
If A 
4

1
find A2.
5

Example

As with algebra, A2 means A  A.

1
3

5
4

3
Hence A2 
4

1
13

5
32

1
3
and B 
4
3

2
If A 
3

8

29

2
, find:
4

a) AB
b) BA

Example
Find the value of x and of y if

1 2

2
y

3
x

6
3

1
4

19
.
32

2
a) AB 
3

1 3

4
3

2
3

4
21

8

10

3
3

2 2

4
3

1
0

4
18

11

13

b) BA 

Multiplying the left-hand side of the equation

6y
1
2x  2y

19
3

6x  2
4

19

32

Hence if we have a matrix A and multiply it by a matrix X, then we need to state whether
we want XA or AX as they are often not the same thing. To do this we introduce the
terms pre- and post-multiplication. If we pre-multiply a matrix A by X we are finding
XA, but if we post-multiply a matrix A by X we are finding AX.

Equating elements:
6y3
1y3
2x  2y  4
1 2x  6  4
1 x  5

Identity matrix
Under the operation of multiplication, the identity matrix is one that fulfils the following
properties. If A is any matrix and I is the identity matrix, then A  I  I  A  A. In
other words, if any square matrix is pre- or post-multiplied by the identity matrix, then
the answer is the original matrix. This is similar to the role that 1 has in multiplication of
real numbers, where 1  x  x  1  x for x H .

We now check 6x  2  32, which is true.

Example
If A 

5
2

9
2
, B 
1
1

5
1
and C 
2
0

We begin by finding B  2C 

5
2

2
0

10
2A 
4

and
Hence

2
1

10
2A 1B  2C2 
4

18
 2

k
, find 2A 1B  2C2.
2

2k
0

4
1

5  2k

6

18

2
18 0

2 1

1
0
is the identity matrix for 2  2 matrices and 0
1
0

0
0 is the identity
1

Only square matrices

have an identity of this
form.

matrix for 3  3 matrices.

Zero matrix
5  2k

6

158  20k

8k  8

Under the operation of addition or subtraction, the matrix that has the identity property
is the zero matrix. This is true for a matrix of any size.

0
0

For a 2  2 matrix the zero matrix is

Commutativity
Commutativity is when the result of an operation is independent of the order in which
the elements are taken. Matrix multiplication is not commutative because in general
AB  BA. In many cases multiplying two matrices is only possible one way or, if it

272

0
1
0

0
0

0
0

0
and for a 2  3 matrix it is
0

0
.
0

273

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

The role of the zero matrix is similar to the role that 0 has in addition of real numbers,
where 0  x  x  0  x for x H . If we multiply by a zero matrix, the answer will be
the zero matrix.

Associativity
Matrix multiplication is associative. This means that 1AB2C  A 1BC2.

We will prove this for 2  2 matrices. The method of proof is the same for any three
matrices that will multiply.
a
Let A 
c
a
A 1BC2 
c

a

c

b
e
, B 
d
g
b
e
B
d
g

f
i
and C 
h
k

f i

h k

b
ei  fk
B
d
gi  hk

b e

d g

ae  bg
 B
ce  dg

aej  afl  bgj  bhl

cej  cfl  dgj  dhl

Alan
Bill
Colin

We will prove this for 2  2 matrices. The method of proof is the same for any three
matrices that will multiply.

a

c

f
i
and C 
h
k
f
i

h
k

b
ei
B
d
gk

274

j
.
l

j
R
l

fj
R
hl

ae  ai  bg  bk

ce  ci  dg  dk

1
7
2

6
3
3

6
3

1

1
k
d
6k
2

af  aj  bh  bl

cf  cj  dh  dl

Magazines
3
2
4

Newspapers
1
2
4

Magazines
1
4
0

Newspapers
2
1
1

Magazines
4
1
1

Newspapers
2
0
1

Week 2

Matrix multiplication is distributive across addition. This means that A 1B  C2  AB  AC.

b
e
B
d
g

2
b
4

32

Alan
Bill
Colin

aej  bgj  afl   bhl

cej  dgj  cfl   dhl

Distributivity

af  aj  bh  bl

cf  cj  dh  dl

Week 1

Hence matrix multiplication on 2  2 matrices is associative.

a
A 1B  C2 
c

aj  bl

cj  dl

2 Alan, Bill and Colin buy magazines and newspapers each week. The tables
below show their purchases in three consecutive weeks.

i
af  bh
R
k
cf  dh

b
e
, B 
d
g

Hence matrix multiplication is distributive over addition in 2  2 matrices.

2
c 3
1

aej  afl  bgj  bhl

cej  cfl  dgj  dhl

aei  bgi  afk  bhk


cei  dgi  cfk   dhk

a
Let A 
c

b i

d k

af  bh
ai  bk

cf  dh
ci  dk

ae  ai  bg  bk

ce  ci  dg  dk

a 11

aei  afk  bgi  bhk


cei  cfk  dgi  dhk

ae  bg

ce  dg

f
a

h
c

1 What is the order of each of these matrices?

ej  fl
R
gj  hl

i
f
R
k
h

b e

d g

Exercise 1

j
R
l

aei  afk  bgi  bhk


cei  cfk  dgi  dhk
a
1AB2C  B
c

j
.
l

a
AB  AC 
c

Week 3
Alan
Bill
Colin

Write each of these in matrix form. What operation do you need to perform
on the matrices to find the total number of magazines and the total number
of newspapers bought by each of the men? What are these numbers?
3 Simplify these.
2
a 45
7
3
c k4
12

1
2
4

3
3
1

6
1
4

3
b 61
3
d 1k  12

4
2
4
3
1

275

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

4 Find the unknowns in these equations.

2
3

1
2

k
3

4
1

2
b
7

5
2

k
7

k2

2
c 3
1

1
2
7  3
k2
1

k
7
k

3
g
4

1

4
1

2
a
1
3
2

4
1

x
5

y
4

1
6

1
4
8
3, S 
1
8

1
,
4

b 12

3
42
8

3
c 2
1

4
5
4
1
7

3
d 2
1

5
5
4

c QR
f PSU

2
e
1
f 11

k 3

k k

1

3
7 If A 
2
a AB
e 3BC

276

2
2
1
0

2
7
1

4
3
, B 
5
9

b A(BC )
f 1A  B 2C

19

11

1
find A2 and A3.
0

0
k
5
2

Men
3
5

Women
2
7

Children
4
2

Write this in matrix form, calling the matrix A.

b The minimum number of calories to stay healthy is shown in the table below.
Calories
1900
1300
1100

Write this in matrix form, calling the matrix B.

c Evaluate the matrix AB and explain the result.

Absolutes
Brilliants
Charismatics
Defenders
Extras

2
7
3
k2
6
3k  4

1
0

4
13

1
d If C  1, D  11 1 12 , and E  11 12 find:
1
i EAB
ii AC
iii DB
In each case, explain the meaning of the result.
11 The table below shows the numbers of games won, drawn and lost for five
soccer teams.

2
2
2 3
3 4

x
4

3 y

4

Men
Women
Children

6 Multiply these matrices.

3 3

1
6

3
1

0
, find, if possible:
1

h P  2S  3U

2
a
4

7
x

4
1

Day 1
Day 2

3
3
4
, Q  , R  2
0
1
4

g 2R  3T

4
3

1 y

10 a The table below shows the number of men, women and children dieting
in a school on two consecutive days.
5

6  2k

1
1
3 and U 
0
7
b PS
e SU

7 x
7

5 y
5

4
9 If A 
3

2
5

1
7

8
T  4
4
a PQ
d RT

y
8

2
5

2
0

3
3

k
k

2
5 For P 
1

x 1

2 3

k
6
k2


3
3 9
3
6
3  k 4

2
2
3k
2

2
d 3
1
2
e 1

2 1
2
f
2

8 Find the values of x and y.

k
2
2k
0

2
k1

3
2k

4
1
and C 
2
0

k
, find:
1

c (AB)C
g 12A  B2 1A  C2

d C(AB)
h 31A  B2 1A  B2

Won
3
6
10
3
8

Drawn
4
2
1
9
3

Lost
7
6
3
2
3

a Write this as matrix P.

b If a team gains 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and no points for
losing, write down a matrix Q that when multiplied by P will give the total
points for each team.
c Find this matrix product.
12 Given that N 
a 2N  3I

1
2

3
find:
2

b N2  2I

c N2  3N  2I

277

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

2
13 If A 
3

1
m
and B 
4
n

2
find the values of m and n such that
3

1v2  1vi2 1 adp  bcr  d

1p

the multiplication of A and B is commutative.

4
1

14 If M 

2
k
and M2  M  4I 
3
0

0
, find the value of k.
k

Using a similar method we find

b
ad  bc
c
r
ad  bc
a
and s 
ad  bc
q

15 If M2  2M  I where M is any 2  2 matrix, show that

M4  2M2  8M  5I.
1
and A2  6A  cI  0, find the value of c.
4
3 6
1
c
c
1 , find the value of c
, B  3
0 and C 
2
1
2
c 5

2
16 Given that A 
3
1
17 If A 
2

3
0

such that AB  2C.

5 1
3
and Q  2 0, find the products PQ and QP.
0
3 c
19 Find the values of x and y for which the following pairs of matrices are
commutative.
1
18 If P 
c

x
1

4
2

a X

2
3
and Y 
2
5

3
b X
x

y
1
and Y 
2
2

8
c X
3

y
x
and Y 
1
2

d
ad

bc
so A1 
c
q
ad  bc


1
d

ad  bc c

b
ad  bc

a
q
ad  bc

q

b

ad  bc is known as the determinant of a 2  2 matrix.

Provided the determinant does not equal zero, the matrix has an inverse. A matrix where
ad  bc  0 is called a singular matrix and if ad  bc  0 then it is called a
non-singular matrix.

1
y

1
20 Find in general form the 2  2 matrix A that commutes with
0

d
ad  bc

The notation for the

determinant of matrix A is
Det(A) or A and for the
matrix above is written
a b
as 2
2.
c d

Example
1
.
1

3
2

Find the determinant of the matrix B 

Det 1B2  132 162  12 2 112  16

1
.
6

11.2 Determinants and inverses of matrices

Method to find the inverse of a 2  2 matrix

Finding inverse matrices

If we think of a matrix A multiplied by a matrix B to give the identity matrix, then the

If a calculator cannot be used then:

matrix B is called the inverse of A and is denoted by A1. If A is any matrix and I is the

1. Evaluate the determinant to check the matrix is non-singular and divide

each element by the determinant.
2. Interchange the elements a and d in the leading diagonal.
3. Change the signs of the remaining elements b and c.

identity matrix, then the inverse fulfils the following property:

A  A1  A1  A  I

On a calculator paper where no variables are involved, a calculator should

be used.

a
Consider a 2  2 matrix A 
c
a b p q
1 0


.
c d r s
0 1
Equating elements: ap  br  1
aq  bs  0
cp  dr  0
cq  ds  1

1i2  d 1 adp  bdr  d

1ii2  b 1 bcp  bdr  0

278

b
p
. Let its inverse be A1 
d
r

q
so that
s

Example

1i2

3
Find the inverse of M 
2

1iii 2

Det 1M2  15  1142  1 so M1 exists.

1v2

M1 

1ii2

1iv2

1vi2

7
.
5

1 5

1 2

7
5

3
2

3

279

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

It is not part of this syllabus to find the inverse of a 3  3 matrix by hand, but you need
to be able to do this on a calculator, and you need to be able to verify that a particular
matrix is the inverse of a given matrix.

Example
0
If A  0
1

Example
1
Find the inverse of 3
1

3
1
2

0
0
m

1
1.
1

0
1
0

On a calculator this appears as:

0
1
0

2m
0
0 and A1  0
0
n

0
1
0

2m 0
0 0
0
n

0
1
0

1
1
0  0
0
0

0
1
0

0
0
1

2mn
1 0
0

0
1
0

0
1
0  0
m
0

0
1
0

0
0
1

1
0, find the values of m and n.
0

so m  1
and 2mn  1 1 n 

1
2

General results for inverse matrices

and the answer is:

If AB  I then B  A1 and A  B1.

That is, the matrices are inverses of each other.

Proof
Let AB  I.
If we pre-multiply both sides of the equation by A1 then
1A1A2B  A1I

1

1 IB  A I

Example
4
7
3
Verify that
7
1
7

1BA
6
7
8
7
5
7

11
7
2
10
is the inverse of 2
7
1
8
7

1

Similarly if we post-multiply both sides of the equation by B1 then

1
3
2

4
1.
2

A 1BB1 2  IB1

1 AI  IB1
1 A  B1
1AB2 1  B1A1

If we multiply these together then the answer is:

Proof
We begin with B1A1.

Pre-multiplying by AB:
1AB2 1B1A1 2  ABB1A1

1

 AIA

Since this is the identity matrix, the matrices are inverses of each other.

280

 AA1
I

281

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

Therefore the inverse of AB is B1A1, so

1AB2 1  B1A1

Example

Finding the determinant of a 3  3 matrix

1
Find the values of y for which the matrix M  3
y2

This is done by extracting the 2  2 determinants from the 3  3 determinant, and

although it can be done on a calculator very easily, it is important to know how to do
this by hand.

Method

3  3 determinants are
particularly important when
we come to work with vector
equations of planes in
Chapter 13.





12

1
0

2
0

9
3
2  42 2
1
y

9
3
2  22 2
1
y

2y
20
1

1 12y  92  413  9y2 2  213  2y3 2  0

1 4y3  36y2  2y  27  0
We solve this using a calculator.

2
1
0

3
2 3 the 2  2 determinant through 6 is
5

2
2.
5

6
In the same determinant 3 4
3
2

2y
1


3


6
Therefore in the determinant 3 4
3
2

2
9 is singular.
1

For the matrix to be singular Det1M2  0.

If the row and column through a particular entry in the 3  3 determinant are crossed
out, four entries are left that form a 2  2 determinant, and this is known as the
2  2 determinant through that number. However, there is a slight complication. Every
entry in a 3  3 determinant has a sign associated with it, which is not the sign of the
entry itself. These are the signs:

3


4
2y
1

2
1
0

1 y  0.805, 0.947 or 8.86

3
2 3, the 2  2 determinant through 4 is
5

General results for determinants

3
2.
5

Det1AB2  Det1A2  Det1B2

To find the determinant of a 3  3 matrix, we extract three 2  2 determinants and
then evaluate these as before. It is usual to extract the 2  2 determinants from the top
row of the 3  3 determinant.

Example

Proof

1
Without using a calculator, evaluate 3 2
8
1
3 2
8

6
2
1

This is a useful result, which can save time, and is proved below for 2  2 matrices.
The proof for 3  3 matrices would be undertaken in exactly the same way.

9
2
5 3  12
1
4

5
2
2  62
4
8

6
2
1

5
2
2  92
4
8

9
5 3.
4
2
2
1

 18  52  618  402  912  162

 13  288  126  427

Let A 

a
c

b
p
and B 
d
r

ap  br
AB 
cp  dr

q
.
s

aq  bs

cq  ds

Det1AB2  1ap  br2 1cq  ds2  1aq  bs2 1cp  dr2

 acpq  adps  bcqr  bdrs  acpq  adqr  bcps  bdrs
 adps  bcqr  adqr  bcps
Now Det1A2  ad  bc and Det1B2  ps  qr

282

283

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

So Det1A 2  Det1B2  1ad  bc2 1ps  qr2

Example

Hence Det1AB2  Det1A 2  Det1B2

Without using a calculator, find the area of the triangle PQR whose vertices
have coordinates (1, 2), 12, 32 and 15, 12.

 adps  adqr  bcps  bcqr

1
1
Area  3 1
2
2

Example
3
If A  2
6
1AB2 1.

1
4
2

2
1
3 and B  3
4
1

2
7
4

1
5 3
1

1
3 12  152  11  102  13  4 2 4
2
31
1
units2
 113  11  72 
2
2

4
2 , find Det(AB). If possible find
3

Using a calculator, Det1A2  0 and Det1B2  85. Hence Det1AB2  0.

Since Det1AB2  0, the matrix is singular so AB has no inverse.

1
2
3

Exercise 2
1 Find the inverse of each of these matrices.

The area of a triangle with vertices 1x1, y1 2, 1x2, y2 2 and 1x3, y3 2 is

1
1
3 x1
2
y1

1
x2
y2

1
x3 3.
y3

Proof

1
a
3

2

3
d 2
8

8
5
4

k
g
3k

1
3
2

2 If P 

y
C (x3, y3)

6
e 9
0

5
2
5

3k
h
2k  1
1
4
, Q 
4
2

c
7
6
3

4
9

4
f 2
8

1
6
1
8

6
5
3

k2

1
3
, R 
1
2

3
4
, S 
4
9

7
,
1

3 Evaluate these determinants.

4
6

7
2
3

3
c 31
2

2
6
1

a 2

(x1, y1)
A
T

10

PX  Q, QY  R and RZ  S, find the matrices X, Y and Z.

B (x2, y2)

1
3
2

2
b
3

U x

Considering the diagram shown above:

Area ABC  area SATC  area TCBU  area SABU
1
1
1
 1y1  y3 2 1x3  x1 2  1y2  y3 2 1x2  x3 2  1y1  y2 2 1x2  x1 2
2
2
2
1
 1x3 y1  x3 y3  x1 y1  x1 y3  x2 y2  x2 y3  x3 y2  x3 y3  x2y1
2
 x2y2  x1y1  x1y2 2
1
1x y  x3y2  x1y3  x3y1  x1y2  x2y1 2
2 2 3
1 1 1
1
 3 x1 x2 x3 3
2
y1 y2 y3


If A, B and C lie on a straight line (are collinear), then the area of the triangle is zero, and
this is one possible way to show that three points are collinear.

b 2
1
3 3
4

2
d 37
2

4 Expand and simplify these.

cos u
sin u
sin u
2
a 2
b 2
sin u cos u
sin u
0
d 3a
c
1
g 3 b2
a

a
0
b
1
a2
b

c
b3
0

1
2
8

6
4

cos u
e 3 tan u
sin u

5
3
1

3
6 3
5

cos u
2
cos u
sin u
cos u
tan u

tan u
sin u 3
cos u

c 2

x1
x

x1
2
x2

f 3

y1
1
y1

0
1
1

y1
1 3
1

1
a2 3
a

5 Using determinants, find the area of the triangle PQR, where P, Q and R are
the points:
a 11, 42, 13, 22, 14, 12
b 13, 7 2, 14, 42, 11, 5 2
c 13, 52, 19, 12, 15, 12

284

285

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

6 Using determinants, determine whether each set of points is collinear.

a (1, 2), (6, 7), (3, 4)

b 11, 32, 15, 22 , 17, 32

c 12, 32, 15, 182, 13, 222

The techniques of solving two simultaneous equations in two unknowns have been met
before, but it is worth looking at the different cases and then examining how we can use
matrices to solve these.

7 Verify that these matrices are the inverses of each other.

1
a 1
2

1
b 2
6

1
3
0
1
0 and
3
1
7
3

2
1
5

1
0
2

1
c 3
1

2
1
4

2
3
1
3
1
3

When we have two linear equations there are three possible scenarios, which are shown
in the diagrams below.

0
0

The lines intersect, giving a unique solution

1

1
2
3
5
4 and
4
22
1
4

1
4
1
4

1
4
1

8
1
8

7
16
1
5
2 and
16
1
13
16

3
8
1
8
1
8

5
16
1

16
7
16

y
Solution

0
x
0

0
k2 is singular.
1

The lines are parallel, giving no solution

y

2
c
3

4
10 Find the values of c for which the matrix 1
0

0
12 M is the matrix 1
x2

k2
2
1

2
verify that 1AB2 1  B1A1.
k

3
4
and B 
1
1

11 Find the values of y such that 2

In this case solving the pair of simultaneous equations using a method of elimination or
substitution will give the unique solution.

k2  k  2
8 Find the value of k for which the matrix k  4
1
1
9 If A 
k

11.3 Solving simultaneous equations in two

unknowns

y
y

2
2y
2  34
1
1

3
2
5

6
9 is singular.
c

1
0 3.
1

1
y
0 and N is the matrix 1
x
y2

0
y
0

1
y. By
0

evaluating the product MN, find the values of x and y for which M is the
inverse of N.
13 If 2A  3BX  B, where A, B and X are 2  2 matrices, find
a X in terms of A and B
b X given that B1A  2I, where I is the identity matrix.

x3 x1
.
14 The matrix M 
x1 x3
a Show that Det(M) is independent of x.

This occurs when we attempt to eliminate a variable and find we have a constant equal
to zero.

Example
Determine whether the following equations have a solution.
x  5y  7 equation 1i2

3x  15y  16 equation 1ii2

31i2  1ii2 1 0  23

This is not possible, so there is no solution.

b Find M1.

286

287

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

The lines are the same, giving infinite solutions

y

14
x
5

1 
y
11
5

The lines are coincident.

So x 
0

14
11
,y
5
5

If we are asked to find when equations have no unique solution, then we would need to
show the matrix is singular. However, if we need to distinguish between the two cases
here, i.e. no solution or infinite solutions, then we need to use Gaussian elimination.

In this case, when we try to eliminate a variable we find 0  0, but we can actually give
a solution.

Example
Example

Show that the following system of equations does not have a unique solution.

Find the solution to:

4x  y  5 equation 1i2
16x  4y  20 equation 1ii2
If we do 4(i) (ii) we find 0  0.
Hence the solution can be written as y  4x  5.

Using matrices to solve simultaneous equations in

two unknowns
This is best demonstrated by example.

If we are asked to show that

simultaneous equations are
consistent, this means that
they either have a unique
solution or infinite solutions.
If they are inconsistent, they
have no solution.

2x  3y  7
6x  9y  20
This can be represented in matrix form as
2

3 x
7

9 y
20

2
If A 
6

3
then Det1A2  18  18  0.
9

Hence the matrix is singular and the system of equations does not have a
unique solution.

We can also write the simultaneous equations as what is called an augmented matrix
and solve from here. This is effectively a neat way of representing elimination, but becomes
very helpful when we deal with three equations in three unknowns. We will demonstrate
this in the same example.

Example
Find the solution to these simultaneous equations.
3x  2y  4
xy5

Example

This can be represented in matrix form as

The augmented matrix looks like this.

2
x
4

1 y
5

To solve this we pre-multiply both sides by the inverse matrix. This can be
calculated either by hand or by using a calculator.
1
5
Hence
1
5

2
5
3

3 1
5
1
1
0

288

1
2
x
5

1 y
1
5

2
5
4

3 5
5

1
5
0 x

1
1 y
5

2
5
4

3 5
5

2
1

This is called Gaussian

elimination or row
reduction.

We now conduct row operations on the augmented matrix to find a solution.

Changing Row 1 to Row 1  3 1Row 2 2
0
1
1

5
1

We are trying to make

the first element zero.

11

This is the same as

0

5
x
11


1 y
5

So the first row gives:

5y  11
11
1y
5

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11 Matrices

11 Matrices

4 By evaluating the determinant, state whether the simultaneous equations

have a unique solution.

We now substitute in the second row:

xy5
11
1x
5
5
14
1x
5

a 3x  2y  7
6x  4y  14
c

b 8x  7y  15
3x  8y  13

d 13k  12y  x  5
4y  1k  12x  11

y  2x  5
2y  4x  10

5 Determine the value of c for which the simultaneous equations have no

solution. What can you say about the lines in each case?
a cy  13c  12 x  7
cy  2x  3c

Example
Determine whether the following set of equations has no solution or infinite
solutions.

6 State with a reason which of these pairs of equations are consistent.

a y  3x  7
y
 5x  9
2

x  3y  7
3x  9y  15
The augmented matrix for these equations is
3
9

3

0
3

0
9

36

15

Hence we have a case of 0  36, which is inconsistent, so the equation has no

solution.

Exercise 3
1 Use the inverse matrix to solve these equations.
a 3x  y  4
b 3p  5q  7
x  2y  7
p  2q  7
c 3y  1  2x  0
4x  3y  4  0

y  3x  4
3y  7x  2

2 Using a method of row reduction, solve these pairs of simultaneous equations.

a x  5y  7
b a  3b  8
3x  5y  10
2a  5b  7
3
c 2x  3y  8  0
d y x9
2
x  2y  7  0
y  4x  1
3 Use the method of inverse matrices or row reduction to uniquely solve the
following pairs of simultaneous equations. In each case state any restrictions
there may be on the value of k.
a 12k  12x  y  1
b x  ky  3
1k  12x  2y  3
kx  3y  3
c y  12k  12x  1  0 d y  kx  4
5y  kx  7  0
1k  12 y  3x  10

290

b 2y  3x  7
3
14
y x
2
4

c y  2x  3  0
y
6
x 
2
4

7 Find the value of p for which the lines are coincident.

15

Changing Row 1 to 3 1Row 12  Row 2

b cx  12c  42y  15
1c  12x  2cy  9

2x  4y  2p  0
px  6y  9  0
x  2y  p  0
Had the equation had
infinite solutions we
would have had a whole
line of zeros.

8 Find the value of l for which the equations are consistent and in this case
find the corresponding values of y and x.
4x  ly  10
3x  y  4
4x  6y  2

11.4 Solving simultaneous equations in

three unknowns
We will see in Chapter 13 that an equation of the form ax  by  cz  d is the
equation of a plane. Because there are three unknowns, to solve these simultaneously
we need three equations. It is important at this stage to consider various scenarios,
which, like lines, lead to a unique solution, infinite solutions or no solution.

Unique solution
The three planes intersect in a point.

In this case solving the three equations simultaneously using any method will give the
unique solution.

291

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

No solution

If there are four zeros in a row of the augmented matrix there are infinite solutions. It

The three planes are parallel.

3
does not matter which row it is. Therefore the augmented matrix 4
0
would produce infinite solutions.

Two planes are coincident and the third plane is parallel.

2
2
0

1
6
0





4
1
0

If there are three zeros in a row of the augmented matrix there are no solutions. Again it
does not matter which row it is, but the three zeros have to be the first three entries in the
3 2 1  4
row. Therefore the augmented matrix 4 2
6
 1 would produce no solution.
0 0
0
 4
All other augmented matrices will produce a unique solution. For example
3
4
0

2
2
4

1
6
0





4
1 has a unique solution even though there is one row with three
0

zeros in it. This highlights the fact that the position of the three zeros is important.

Two planes meet in a line and the third plane is parallel to the line of intersection

Elimination
To do this we eliminate one variable using two pairs of equations, leaving us with a pair
of simultaneous equations in two unknowns.

line of
intersection

Solving simultaneous equations in three unknowns

Two planes are parallel and the third plane cuts the other two.

We are often told which method to use, but if not:

1 If a unique solution is indicated, any method can be used to find it.
2 If we want to distinguish between unique and non-unique solutions, then checking
whether the matrix is singular is the easiest method.
3 If we want to establish that there is no solution or find the infinite solutions, then
row operations are usually the easiest.

Infinite solutions

Example

Three planes are coincident. In this case the solution is a plane of solutions.

Solve these equations.

Two planes are coincident and the third plane cuts the other two in a line. In this case
the solution is a line of solutions.

21i2  1ii2 1 11x  3y  20 equation 1iv2

21ii2  1iii2 1 7x  13y  46 equation 1v2

4x  2y  z  0 equation 1i2
3x  7y  2z  20 equation 1ii2
x  y  4z 6 equation 1iii2

131iv2  31v2 1 122x  122

1x1
line of solutions

All three meet in a common line. In this case the solution is a line of solutions.

Substitute in equation (iv):

11  3y  20
1 y  3
Substituting x and y in equation (iii):
1  3  4z  6
1z2

line of solutions

How do we know which case we have? This works in exactly the same way as a pair of
simultaneous equations in two unknowns when we consider the augmented matrix.

292

Substitution
To do this we make one variable the subject of one equation, substitute this in the other
two equations and then solve the resulting pair in the usual way.

293

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

As with lines, if the matrix is singular, then the system of equations has no solution or
infinite solutions. Further work using one of the other methods is necessary to distinguish
between the two cases.

Example
Solve these equations.

3x  4y  z  2 equation 1i2
2x  5y 2z  7 equation 1ii2
x  3y  z  1 equation 1iii2

Example
Does the following system of equations have a unique solution?

Rearranging equation (i) gives z  3x  4y  2.

x  3y  4z  2
2x  y  5z  1
3x  5y  14z  7

Substituting in equation (ii):

2x  5y  6x  8y  4  7
1 8x  13y  3 equation 1iv2

Writing these equations in matrix form:

Substituting in equation (iii):

x  3y  3x  4y  2  1
1 2x  7y  3 equation 1v2

1
2
3

Rearranging equation (iv) gives x 

3  13y
equation (vi)
8

1
If we let A  2
3

Substituting in equation (v):

Using row operations

Substituting in equation (vi):

3  13
1 x
2
8
Substituting in equation (iii):
23z1
1z4

The aim is to produce as many zeros in a row as possible.

Example
Find the unique solution to this system of equations using row operations.
x  3y  2z  3
2x  4y  3z  11
x  y  2z  1

Using inverse matrices

In this case we write the equations in matrix form and then multiply each side of the
equation by the inverse matrix. In other words, if AX  B then X  A1B.

Solve these equations using the inverse matrix.

2x  y  3z  6
x  y  4z  19
2x  y  5z  14
Writing these equations in matrix form:
3 x
6
4 y  19
5 z
14
x
4.5
1 y  6.5
z
0.5

294

Remember that we must

The augmented matrix is:

pre-multiply by A1.
1
2
1

Example

1
1
1

4
5 then Det1A2  140 (using a calculator) and
14

3
1
5

hence the system of equations has a unique solution.

3  13y
 7y  3
8
1 6  26y  56y  24
1 y  1
2

2
1
2

4 x
2
5 y  1
14
z
7

3
1
5

1
2
0

3.5
6
3
5.5 19  0
0.5 14
4

3
4
1

2
3
2





We always begin by producing

a pair of zeros above each
other in order that when we
carry out more row operations
on those two lines, we do not
go around in circles creating
zeros by eliminating ones we
already have. Hence the final
row operation must use Rows
2 and 3.

3
11
1

1
1 2
0

3
4
2

2
3
7





3
11
9

Change Row 3 to
2 1Row 3 2  Row 2.

1
1 0
0

3
10
2

2
7
7





3
17
9

Change Row 2 to
Row 2  2 1Row 12.

1
1 0
0

3
10
0

2
7
28





3
17
28

Change Row 3 to
5 1Row 32  Row 2.

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11 Matrices

11 Matrices

We cannot produce any more zeros, so the equation will have a unique solution
and we now solve using the rows.
From Row 3
28z  28
1 z  1
From Row 2
10y  7z  17
1y1

2
The augmented matrix is: 2
6

1
2
3

3
4
9





1
5
3

0
1 2
6

0
2
3

0
4
9





0
5
3

Change Row 1 to
3 1Row 1 2  Row 3.

Hence the system has infinite solutions. We now eliminate one of the other
variables.

From Row 1
x  3y  2z  3

0
1 0
6

x  3  2  3
1x2
0
This can be read as 0
6

However, the strength of row operations is in working with infinite solutions and no
solution.
In the case of no solution, row operations will produce a line of three zeros.

0
1
3

0
1
3

0
1
9





0
7
3

Change Row 2 to
2 1Row 22  Row 3.

By letting y  l it is clear
that we can get the solutions
for x and z in terms of l.

0
x
0
1 y  7.
9 z
3

Hence if we let y  l, then l  z  7 1 z  7  l.

Example

If we now substitute these into the equation 6x  3y  9z  3 we will find x.

6x  3l  917  l2  3
1 6x  3l  63  9l  3
1 x  11  2l

Verify that this system of equations has no solution.

x  3y  4z  5
2x  y  3z  7
3x  9y  12z  15

Hence the general solution to the equation is x  11  2l, y  l, z  7  l.

The augmented matrix is:

1
2
3

3
1
9

4
3
12

1
1 2
0

3
1
0

4
3
0








5
7
14
5
7
1

Since there is a line of three zeros, the system of equations is inconsistent and
has no solution.
In the case of infinite solutions we will get a line of four zeros, but as we saw previously
there are two possibilities for the solution. In Chapter 13 the format of these solutions
will become clearer, but for the moment, if a line of solutions is given, the answer will be
dependent on one parameter. A plane of solutions can occur only if the three planes are
coincident that is, the three equations are actually the same and in this case the
equation of the plane is actually the solution.

Example
Change Row 3 to
Row 3  3 1Row 12.

This is the parametric equation

of a line, and we will learn in
Chapter 13 how to write this
in other forms.

This is a line of solutions. By

looking at the original equations
we can see that the third
equation is three times the first
equation, and hence this is a
case of two planes being
coincident and the third plane
cutting these two in a line.

Show that the following system of equations has infinite solutions and find the
general form of these solutions.
x  y  3z  2
2x  2y  6z  4
4x  4y 12z  8
1
The augmented matrix is: 2
4

1
2
4

3
6
12

2
4
8

0
1 2
4

0
2
4

0
6
12

0
4
8

Change Row 1 to
2 1Row 12  Row 2.

Example
Show that this system of equations has infinite solutions and find the general
form of these solutions.

Hence it is clear that the system has infinite solutions. In this case we cannot
eliminate another variable, because any more row operations will eliminate all
the variables.

2x  y  3z  1
2x  2y  4z  5
6x  3y  9z  3

296

297

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

Example
0
This can be read as 2
4

0
2
4

0
x
0
6 y  4.
12 z
8

Use a calculator to find the solution to this system of equations.

x  2y  z  3
3x  y  z  2
x  4y 2z  4

If we look back at the original equations, we can see that they are in fact the
same equation, and hence we have the case of three coincident planes, which
leads to a plane of solutions. The plane itself is the solution to the equations, i.e.
x  y  3z  2.

1
The augmented matrix for this system is 3
1

2
1
4

1
1
2





3
2
4

The calculator display is shown below:

Example
Determine what type of solutions the following system of equations has, and
explain the arrangement of the three planes represented by these equations.
2x  3y  2z  1
4x  6y  4z  2
6x  9y  6z  4
2
The augmented matrix for this system is 4
6

3
6
9

2
4
6





1
2.
4

1
This can be read as 0
0

In this case if we perform row operations we get conflicting results.

0
Changing Row 1 to 2 1Row 12  Row 2 gives 4
6
implies the system has infinite solutions.

0
6
9

0
However, changing Row 1 to 3 1Row 12  Row 3 gives 4
6
which implies the system has no solution.

0
4
6





0
6
9

0
4
6

0
1
0

0 x
2
0 y  1
1 z
3

Hence x  2, y  1, and z  3.

0
2, which
4




If we put in a system of equations that has no solution then the line of three zeros will
occur. The line of four zeros will occur if the system has infinite solutions. The calculator
will not find the line or plane of solutions, but it will certainly make it easier.Exercise

1
2 ,
4

11.4
Example
Find the general solution to this system of equations.

If we now look back at the equations we can see that the first and second equations are multiples of each other. In the third equation the coefficients of x, y
and z are multiples of those coefficients in the first and second equations. This
means we have two coincident planes and a parallel plane.
Hence the system actually has no solution. This is also obvious from the initial
equations since we clearly do not have three coincident planes.

Row operations on a calculator

The reasoning behind this will

be explained in Chapter 13.

x  3y  z  4
2x  y  2z  3
x  4y  z  1
1
The augmented matrix for this system is 2
1

3
1
4

1
2
1





4
3
1

The calculator display is shown below:

A calculator is capable of doing this, but there are a number of points that need to be
made. Obviously, if the question appears on a non-calculator paper then this is not an
option. However, if a calculator is allowed then it is useful. To find a unique solution we
put the 3  4 augmented matrix into the calculator as usual.

298

299

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

The line of four zeros at the bottom indicates the infinite solutions. If we rewrite
this in the form
1
0
0

0
1
0

1 x
1.85714 p
0 y  0.714285
0 z
0

5 Using row operations, solve these systems of equations.

a 3x  4y  7z  0
b 2x  y  3z  1
2x  y  4z  3

3x  4y  2z  9

x  2y  5z  2
c x  3y  2z  13

x  y  2z  0
d

2x  y  2z  8

we can see that y  0.714285, but that x and z cannot be solved uniquely.
Hence if we let x  t, then t  z  1.85714
1 z  t  1.85714
Hence the general solution to the equations is x  t, y  0.714285 and
z  t  1.85714. This is a case of three planes meeting in a line.

6x  y  z  3

3x  3y  2z  1
10x  3y  2z  0
6 Using a calculator, solve these systems of equations.
a x  2y  3z  5
b 3x  3y  z  8
2x  y  2z  7

2x  y  2z  5

3x  2y  5z  9

3x  4y  z  1

c 3x  3y  6z  2

6x  8y  z  8

Exercise 4
1 Using elimination, solve these systems of equations.
a 6x  8y  5z  1
b 4x  7y  3z  2
3x  5y  3z  3

2x  5y  2z  2

2x  3y  2z  1

5x  13y  5z  0

c x  2y  10

4x  8y  3z  6

3x  y  z  7

3x  5y  z  3

2x  y  z  5

4x  y  4z  15

2 Using substitution, solve these systems of equations.

a 2x  2y  z  6
b 2x  y  2z  11
3x  7y  2z  13

x  3y  8z  27

2x  5y  2z  12

3x  2y  z  4

c 3x  y  4z  6

2x  3y  4z  1

2x  y  2z  7

4x  y  6z  9

x  2y  6z  13

x  2y  8z  2

3 Using a method of inverse matrices, solve these systems of equations.

a x  3y  6z  1
b x  3y  2z  1
2x  6y  9z  4

4x  y  6z  12

3x  3y  12z  5

2x  y  5z  10

c 2x  y  2z  4

4x  y  3z  9

3x  y  z  1
2x  3y  5z  3

6x  2y  3z  7
x  2y  5z  6
4 By evaluating the determinant, state whether each system of equations has
a unique solution or not.
a x  2y  5z  15
b 2x  y  3z  12
2x  3y  7z  1

x  y  7z  15

3x  y  2z  12
c xyz4

300

3x  y  z  7
d

2x  y  2z  4

2x  2y  3z  4

4x  2y  4z  8

3x  3y  2z  8

xyz2

2x  y  3z  6

3x  2y  z  1
6x  y  3z  7

x  y  3z  0
11x  y  2z  8
7 Without using a calculator, solve the following equations where possible.
a x  3y  2z  1
b 2x  y  3z  4
x  y  2z  4

x  2y  z  2

x  7y  10z  5

x  3y  4z  6

c 3x  y  4z  1

2x  y  3z  4

x  2y  3z  4

4x  2y  6z  8

x  5y  10z  7

6x  3y  9z  12

e x  2y  z  1

x  y  z  4

2x  y  3z  4

2x  y  z  8

5x  5y  5z  9

yz3

g 3x  y  2z  4

xyz4

3x  y  2z  4
2x  y  z  10

x  3y  6z  10
x  4y  4z  12
8 Using a calculator, state whether the following equations have a unique solution, no solution or infinite solutions. If the solution is unique, state it, and if
the solution is infinite, give it in terms of one parameter.
a 2x  y  2z  4
b 3x  5y  2z  2
x  3y  2z  7

x  7y  4z  1

x  8y  4z  17

3x  3y  2z  2

c x  4y  z  4

3x  y  2z  4

x  7y  10

xyz4

3x  y  2z  7

x  3y  6z  10

e x  y  5z  4

xyz6

2x  y  z  8

2x  y  z  7

3y  11z  0

x  y  5z  18

1 3 3
9 a Find the inverse of 2 1
3 .
3 9
9
b Hence solve this system of equations.
x  3y  3z  2
2x  y  3z  1
3x  9y  9z  4

301

11 Matrices

11 Matrices

1 9 5
10 a Find the determinant of the matrix 1 3 2.
1 1 1
b Find the value of c for which this system of equations can be solved.

M+

CE

M+

CE

k
4
1

1
13 a Let M  2
3

1 4 5 x
3
1 3 2 y  c
1 1 1 z
2
c Using this value of c, give the general solution to the system of equations.
11 Without finding the solution, show that this system of equations has a
unique solution.
2x  5y  z  4
x  y  3z  4
4x  4y  3z  1
12 If the following system of equations does not have a unique solution, state
the relationship between a and b.
ax  3y  2z  4
2x  5y  z  9
2x  by  4z  1

ON

ON
X

x
4 If A 
4

M+

ON

CE

3
5. Find Det M.
k

x
Write the system in matrix form AX  B where X  y.
z
Find the value of k for which the determinant of A is zero.
Find the value of z in terms of k.
Describe the solutions to the system of equations.

1
6 Given the following two matrices, M  1
1
M1 

b Find the value of k for which this system of equations does not have a
unique solution.

M
C
7
4
1

M+

CE

3
+

ON
X

x  ky  3z  1

[IB Nov 01 P1 Q6]

5 Consider this system of equations.

x  1k  32y  5z  0
x  3y  1k  12z  k  2
x  y  kz  2k  1

b
c
d

y
, find the values of x and y, given that
4

AB  BA.

4
2
and B 
2
8

b
1
1
2
1

5
1
3

1
1
2

2
2 and
a

4
0, find the values of a and b.
2

[IB Nov 98 P1 Q14]

7 a Find the relationship between p, q and r such that the following system of
equations has a solution.
2x  y  3z  p

2x  4y  5z  2

3x  y  4z  q

3x  y  kz  3
14 Find the value of a for which this system of equations is consistent.
x  3y  z  3
x  5y  2z  1
16x  2z  a

3x  6y  21z  r
b If p  3 and q  1, find the solution to the system of equations. Is this
solution unique?
M
C
7
4
1

M+

CE

3
+

ON
X

2
k

8 Let A 

6
h
and B 
1
3

3
, where h and k are integers. Given
7

that Det A  Det B and that Det AB  256h,

a show that h satisfies the equation 49h2  130h  81  0
b hence find the value of k.
[IB May 06 P1 Q17]

Review exercise

M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

1 If P is an m  n matrix and Q is an n  p matrix find the orders of the

matrices R and S such that 3P 14Q  2R2  5S.

M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

2
9 If M 
3

1
1
, I 
1
0

0
and M2  pM  qI, find the values of p
1

M+

ON

CE

M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

3
2 Given that A 
3

2
1
and I 
4
0

which 1A  lI2 is a singular matrix.

0
, find the values of l for
1

M+

ON

CE

kx  y  2k

302

[IB May 03 P1 Q5]

k 1
, where k H .
3 a Find the inverse of the matrix A 
1
k
b Hence or otherwise, solve the simultaneous equations
x  ky  1  k2

and q.

c3
10 a Find the values of c for which M  c
1
8 3
b Find A where A  2 2
1 3
c Explain why A is singular.

8 1
2 4
1 2

2
5
1

3
2
3

8
2 is singular.
1

3
6.
1

[IB Nov 97 P1 Q12]

303

11 Matrices

system of equations represented by the following matrix equation has

11 The
an infinite number of solutions.
M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

M+

ON

CE

2 1 9 x
7
1
2
3 y  1
2
1
3 z
k
Find the value of k.
[IB May 00 P1 Q6]
12 The variables x, y and z satisfy the simultaneous equations
x  2y  z  3
2x  3y  4z  5
x  2y  z  c
where c is a constant.
a Show that these equations do not have a unique solution.
b Find the value of c that makes these equations consistent.
c For this value of c, find the general solution to these equations.
a
4 6
13 a Find the values of a and b given that the matrix A  8
5
7 is
5
3
4
1
2 2
the inverse of the matrix B  3
b
1 .
1 1 3
b For the values of a and b found in part a, solve the system of linear
equations
x  2y  2z  5
3x  by  z  0
x  y  3z  a  1

[IB Nov 99 P1 Q12]

14 Show that the following system of equations has a solution only when
M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

M
C

M+

CE

ON
X

M+

ON

CE

p  2q  r  0.

3a  5b  c  p
2a  b  4c  q
a  7b  9c  r
15 Find the value of a for which the following system of equations does not
have a unique solution.
4x  y  2z  1
2x  3y  6
7
[IB May 99 P1 Q6]
x  2y  az 
2
2
16 Given that P  a
4
3
R 6
0

M
C
7
4
1

M+

CE

304

ON
X

1
9
8

1
2
0

3
0
b, Q  3
0
0

2
0
1

1
0 and
1

1
5 , find the values of a and b such that PQ  R.
4

17 Given the two sets of equations,

x1  3z1  2z2  5z3
y1  x1  4x2  3x3
x2  4z1  5z2  9z3
y2  3x1  5x2  7x3
x3  z1  6z2  9z3
y3  2x1  2x2  x3
use matrix methods to obtain three equations that express y1, y2 and y3
directly in terms of z1, z2 and z3.