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1.2 Row Reduction

The document covers row reduction techniques for solving linear systems using augmented matrices, including definitions of echelon forms, pivot positions, and the row reduction algorithm. It details the steps to transform a matrix into reduced echelon form and the conditions for the consistency of a linear system. Additionally, it provides resources for further exploration of the topics discussed.

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25 views2 pages

1.2 Row Reduction

The document covers row reduction techniques for solving linear systems using augmented matrices, including definitions of echelon forms, pivot positions, and the row reduction algorithm. It details the steps to transform a matrix into reduced echelon form and the conditions for the consistency of a linear system. Additionally, it provides resources for further exploration of the topics discussed.

Uploaded by

talialeeya1011
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced Course 1: Linear Systems and Matrix Equations

1.2 Row Reduction


Objectives
★ Use row reduction to solve a linear system with a given augmented matrix.
○ Write matrices in row echelon and reduced row echelon forms.
○ Identify pivot columns of an augmented matrix.
○ Identify free variables in an augmented matrix.

Definitions
● The leading entry of a row in a matrix is the leftmost nonzero entry in the row.
● A matrix is in (row) echelon form when it satisfies the following conditions:
a. Any rows consisting of all 0’s are below all nonzero rows.
b. Each leading entry of a row is in a column to the right of the leading entry of any row
above it.
c. All entries in a column below a leading entry are 0.
● A matrix is in reduced (row) echelon form when it is in echelon form and satisfies the two
additional conditions:
a. The leading entry of each nonzero row is 1 (called a leading 1).
b. Every leading 1 is the only nonzero entry in its column.
● Row reduction is the process of transforming a matrix into echelon form with elementary row
operations. Row reduction is also called Gaussian elimination.
● A pivot position is a position in a matrix that corresponds to a leading 1 in the matrix’s
reduced echelon form. A pivot column is a column in a matrix that contains a pivot position.
● The basic variables in a system of linear equations are the variables that correspond to pivot
columns of the matrix for the system. The free variables are the variables that do not
correspond to pivot columns.

Theorems

Uniqueness of Reduced Echelon Form


Every matrix is row equivalent to one and only one matrix in reduced echelon form.
Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced Course 1: Linear Systems and Matrix Equations

Existence of Solutions
A system of linear equations is consistent if and only if the last (rightmost) column of its augmented
matrix is not a pivot column.

Solving a System of Equations by Row Reduction

Row Reduction Algorithm


The following process can be used to write a matrix in its reduced echelon form.

Start with the first (leftmost) nonzero column.


1. Interchange rows so that there is a nonzero entry in the first row.
2. Scale the first row so that its leading entry is 1.
3. Use row replacement so that all entries in the column below this leading 1 are 0’s.
Repeat the process with the next nonzero column to obtain a leading 1 in the second row, then again
to obtain a leading 1 in the third row, and so on, until the matrix is in echelon form.

For the last step, use row replacement so that all entries above any leading 1’s are also 0. Then the
matrix is in reduced echelon form.

Strategy for Solving a System of Equations


1. Write the augmented matrix for the system.
2. Use the row reduction algorithm to find the echelon form of the augmented matrix.
3. Determine whether the system is consistent: is the last column a pivot column? If the system is
inconsistent, then stop here.
4. Continue with row reduction to find the reduced echelon form of the augmented matrix.
5. Write the system of equations corresponding to the reduced echelon form matrix.
6. Rewrite the equations so that each basic variable is given in terms of any free variables.

Other Resources
You can further explore this lesson’s topics at the following links.
● Webpage: Interactive Linear Algebra - 1.2 Row Reduction
● Webpage: Interactive Linear Algebra - 1.3 Parametric Form
● Interactive: Gaussian Elimination Applet by Lauren K Williams

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