Syllabus Topic: Simultaneous Equations and Matrix Transformation

Title: Solving Simultaneous Equations using the Matrix Method, Transformation Matrices

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Solving matrices using Simultaneous Equations

Recall: In Algebra, there are 2 methods used to solve simultaneous equations:

• Elimination

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• Substitution

We are now going to learn the Matrix method.

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Changing simultaneous equations from algebraic form to matrix form

Example 1:
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Algebraic form: 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 0

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 7

Change to matrix form:

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2 1 𝑥 0
( ) (𝑦) = ( )
1 −3 7
S.

Example 2:
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Algebraic form: 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 1

2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −9

Change to matrix form:

1 4 𝑥 1
( ) (𝑦) = ( )
2 −3 −9
Example 3:

Algebraic form: 4𝑚 − 𝑛 = 3

2𝑚 − 4𝑛 = 5

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Change to matrix form:
4 −1 𝑚 3
( )( ) = ( )
2 −4 𝑛 5

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Note

Consider
2 1 𝑥 0
( ) (𝑦) = ( )
1 −3 7
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in the form 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵

2 1
where 𝐴 = ( ) [coefficient matrix]
1 −3
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𝑥
𝑋 = (𝑦) [variable matrix]

0
𝐵=( ) [column matrix]
7
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Now, 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵
S.

𝐴−1 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵
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𝐼𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵

𝑿 = 𝑨−𝟏 𝑩

Worked Example 1

Solve 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 0

𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 7
Solution:

Change to matrix form:

2 1 𝑥 0
( ) (𝑦 ) = ( )
1 −3 7

in the form 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵

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∴ 𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵

Note that 𝑨−𝟏 is placed to the left of 𝑩 and not to the right. Remember that matrix

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multiplication is NOT commutative.
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Find 𝐴−1 :

𝑑 −𝑏
det (𝐴) = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝐴) = ( )
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−𝑐 𝑎

−3 −1
= (2)(−3) − (1)(1) =( )
−1 2
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= −6 − 1

= −7
S.
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1
𝐴−1 = (𝑎𝑑𝑗)
𝑑ⅇ𝑡
1 −3 −1
= −7 ( )
−1 2
3 1

= (71 7
2)
−7
7
So, we have:

3 1
𝑥 0
(𝑦) = (71 7 2) ( )
−7 7
7

3 1
(7 × 0) + (7 × 7)
=( 1 2
)
(7 × 0) + (− 7 × 7)

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0+1
=( )
0 + (−2)

1
=( )
−2

∴ 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = −2

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Worked Example 2

Solve 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 1
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2𝑥 − 3𝑦 = −9

Solution:
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Change to matrix form:

𝑥
S.

1 4 1
( ) (𝑦) = ( )
2 −3 −9

in the form 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵
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∴ 𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵

1 4
where 𝐴 = ( ).
2 −3

Find 𝐴−1 :
 𝑑 −𝑏
det (𝐴) = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝐴) = ( )
−𝑐 𝑎

−3 −4
= (1)(−3) − (2)(4) =( )
−2 1

= −3 − 8

= −11

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1
𝐴−1 = 𝑑ⅇ𝑡 (𝑎𝑑𝑗)

1 −3 −4
= −11 ( )
−2 1

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3 4

= (11
2
11
1)
− 11
11
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So, by rearranging, we have:

1 4 𝑥 1
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( ) (𝑦 ) = ( )
2 −3 −9

3 4
𝑥 1
(𝑦) = (11 11 ) ( )
2 1 −9
−
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11 11

3 4
(11 × 1) + (11 × −9)
S.

=( 2 1
)
(11 × 1) + (− 11 × −9)

3 36
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− 11
= (11
2 9)
+
11 11

−3
=( )
1

OR (“shortcut” – a way to avoid the fractions)

 𝑥 1 3 −4 1
(𝑦 ) = ( )( )
−11 −2 1 −9
1 −3 + 36
= − 11 ( )
−2 − 9
1 33
= − 11 ( )
−11

−3
=( )
1

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∴ 𝑥 = −3 and 𝑦 = 1

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Worked Example 3

Solve 4𝑥 − 𝑦 = 3

2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 5
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Solution:
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Change to matrix form:

4 −1 𝑥 3
( )( ) = ( )
2 −4 𝑦 5

in the form 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵
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∴ 𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵
S.

4 −1
where 𝐴 = ( )
2 −4
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Find 𝐴−1 :
𝑑 −𝑏
det (𝐴) = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝐴) = ( )
−𝑐 𝑎

−4 1
= (4)(−4) − (2)(−1) =( )
−2 4

= −16 − (−2)

= −14
 1
𝐴−1 = (𝑎𝑑𝑗)
𝑑ⅇ𝑡
1 −4 1
= −14 ( )
−2 4
2 1
− 14
= (71 2)
−7
7

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So, by rearranging, we have:

4 −1 𝑥 3
( ) (𝑦) = ( )
2 −4 5

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2 1
𝑥 − 14 3
(𝑦) = (71 2 ) (5)
−
7 7

2 1
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(7 × 3) + (− 14 × 5)
=( 1 2
)
(7 × 3) + (− 7 × 5)
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6 5
− 14
= (73
10)
−
7 7

1
R

=( 2 )
−1
S.

OR (“shortcut” – a way to avoid the fractions)

𝑥 1 −4 1 3
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(𝑦 ) = ( )( )
−14 −2 4 5
1 −12 + 5
= −14 ( )
−6 + 20
1
=( 2 )
−1

1
∴ 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = −1
Worked Example 4

Solve 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5

2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 7

Solution:

Change to matrix form:

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2 1 𝑥 5
( )( ) = ( )
2 3 𝑦 7

in the form 𝐴𝑋 = 𝐵

2 1
∴ 𝑋 = 𝐴−1 𝐵

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where 𝐴 = ( ).
2 3
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Find 𝐴−1 :

𝑑 −𝑏
det (𝐴) = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝐴) = ( )
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−𝑐 𝑎

3 −1
= (2)(3) − (2)(1) =( )
S.

−2 2

=6−2
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=4

1
𝐴−1 = 𝑑ⅇ𝑡 (𝑎𝑑𝑗)

1 3 −1
= 4( )
−2 2
So, by rearranging, we have:

2 1 𝑥 5
( ) (𝑦 ) = ( )
2 3 7
𝑥 1 3 −1 5
(𝑦 ) = 4 ( )( )
−2 2 7
𝑥 1 15 − 7
(𝑦 ) = 4 ( )
−10 + 14

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𝑥 1 8
(𝑦 ) = 4 ( )
4
𝑥 2
(𝑦 ) = ( )
1

∴ 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 1

Matrix Transformation - Introduction

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2 4
Consider the matrix ( ).
1 0
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Size/Order of the matrix is 2 × 2.

Note: The size or order of a matrix is

stated in the form: rows by column
3
Consider the matrix ( ).
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Size/Order of the matrix is 2 × 1.

S.

This matrix is called a column matrix.

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Identity Matrix
1 0
The 2 × 2 identity matrix is ( ).
0 1

Recall:

The additive identity is 0.

That is, 𝑎 + 0 = 0 + 𝑎 = 𝑎.
The multiplicative identity is 1.

That is, 𝑎 × 1 = 1 × 𝑎 = 𝑎.

5 −2
Consider the matrix ( ).
1 0

When the identity matrix is multiplied to this matrix, the matrix remains unchanged.

1 0 5 −2 (1 × 5) + (0 × 1) (1 × −2) + (0 × 0)

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( )( )=( )
0 1 1 0 (0 × 5) + (1 × 1) (0 × −2) + (1 × 0)

5 −2
=( )
1 0

Transformation Matrices

Consider the point 𝐴(1,4). UN

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1 0 1 0 1
Now, ( )𝐴 = ( )( )
0 1 0 1 4

1
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=( )
4

𝑦
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𝐴(1,4)
S.
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𝑥
The identity matrix leaves the point 𝐴 unchanged.

How about we make one of the “1” negative?

Consider the point 𝐴(1,4). Let 𝐴′ be the image of 𝐴.

Now,

−1 0
𝐴′ = (

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)𝐴
0 1

−1 0 1
=( )( )
0 1 4

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−1 + 0
=( )
0+4

−1
=( ) where −1 is the 𝑥-coordinate and 4 is the 𝑦-coordinate
4
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𝑦
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𝐴′(−1,4) 𝐴(1,4)
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S.
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−1 0
The matrix ( ) represents a reflection in the 𝒚-axis.
0 1
Consider the point 𝐴(1,4).

Let 𝐴′ be the image of 𝐴.

Now,

1 0
𝐴′ = ( )𝐴
0 −1

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1 0 1
=( )( )
0 −1 4

1+0
=( )
0−4

1
=( )
−4
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where 1 is the 𝑥-coordinate and −4 is the 𝑦-coordinate

𝑦
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𝐴(1,4)
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R

𝑥
S.
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𝐴′(1, −4)

1 0
The matrix ( ) represents a reflection in the 𝒙-axis.
0 −1
Exercise

What do these transformation matrices represent?

−1 0
A) ( )
0 1

1 0
B) ( )
0 −1

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0 1
C) ( )
1 0

2 0
D) ( )
0 2

Solution: UN
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−1 0
A) ( ) → reflection in the 𝑦-axis
0 1
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1 0
B) ( ) → reflection in the 𝑥-axis
0 −1

0 1
C) ( ) → reflection in the line 𝑦 = 𝑥
1 0
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2 0
D) ( ) → enlargement of scale factor 2
0 2
S.

Enlargement
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Consider the points below which connect to form a triangle.

𝐴 = (1, 5)

𝐵 = (1, 1)

𝐶 = (3, 1)

The graph is shown below.

 𝑦

𝐴(1, 5)

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𝐵(1, 1)
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𝐶(3, 1)

𝑥
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Suppose that the points undergo an enlargement of scale factor 2.
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2 0
The matrix is ( ).
0 2

The image points are as follows:

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2 0 1
𝐴′ = ( )( )
S.

0 2 5
2
𝐴′ = ( )
10
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2 0 1
𝐵′ = ( )( )
0 2 1
2
𝐵′ = ( )
2

2 0 3
𝐶′ = ( )( )
0 2 1
6
𝐶′ = ( )
2
 𝐴′(2, 10)

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𝑦
𝐴(1, 5) UN
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R

𝐵′(2, 2) 𝐶′(6, 2)

𝐵(1, 1) 𝐶(3, 1)
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𝑥
Examples of Transformation Matrices

Reflection or Flip

𝑥-axis 𝑦-axis

1 0 −1 0
( ) ( )
0 −1 0 1

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The line 𝑦 = 𝑥 The line 𝑦 = −𝑥

0 1 0 −1
( ) ( )
1 0 −1 0

Translation or Slide

𝑥
Use the vector: (𝑦) UN
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where 𝑥 represents the movement in the horizontal

and 𝑦 represents the vertical movement.

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Common Rotations

Rotation 90 degrees clockwise (or 270 degrees anticlockwise):

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0 1
( )
−1 0
S.

Rotation 180 degrees:

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−1 0
( )
0 −1

Rotation 270 degrees clockwise (or 90 degrees anticlockwise):

0 −1
( )
1 0
otation of Transformation Matrices

Sometimes we label the transformation matrix as “ T “.

𝑻𝑨 = 𝑨′

−1 0 1 −1
For example, ( )( ) = ( )
0 1 4 4

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If we want to go backwards,
Note: 𝐴′ is called 𝐴 prime.
𝑨 = 𝑻−𝟏 𝑨′

Recall:

2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 1
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𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 0
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In matrix form,

2 3 𝑥 1
( ) (𝑦 ) = ( )
1 4 0
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𝑥 2 3 −1 1
(𝑦) = ( ) ( )
1 4 0
S.
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Past Paper Question - January 2021 – Question 10(b)

A right-angled triangle, 𝑀, has vertices 𝑋(1, 1), 𝑌(3, 1) and 𝑍(3, 4). When 𝑀 is

0 1
transformed by the matrix 𝑁 = ( ), the image is 𝑀′.
1 0

Find the coordinates of the vertices of 𝑀′. [2]

Solution:

0 1
( ) represents a reflection in the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.
1 0

So, we need to interchange coordinates to find 𝑀′.

Therefore,

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𝑋′(1, 1)

𝑌′(1, 3)

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𝑍′(4, 3)

Visually, here is the ∆𝑋𝑌𝑍 reflecting in the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 to obtain ∆𝑋′𝑌′𝑍′.

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𝑦
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𝑍(3, 4)
R

𝑌(1, 3)
𝑍′(4, 3)
S.

𝑀
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𝑀′

𝑋(1,1)
𝑋′(1,1) 𝑌′(3,1)

𝑥
Past Paper Question - January 2020 – Question 10(a)
0 𝑝
The transformation 𝑀 = ( ) maps the point 𝑅 onto 𝑅′ as shown in the diagram below.
𝑞 0

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JA
R

(i) Determine the values of 𝑝 and 𝑞. [2]

S.

Solution:

(i) From the graph, 𝑅(2, −5) and 𝑅′(5, 2).

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Now,

0 𝑝 2 5
( )( ) = ( )
𝑞 0 −5 2

(0 × 2) + (𝑝 × −5) 5
( )=( )
(𝑞 × 2) + (0 × −5) 2

−5𝑝 5
( )=( )
2𝑞 2
 By comparing the equivalent matrices, we have

−5𝑝 = 5 2𝑞 = 2

5 2
𝑝 = −5 𝑞=2

𝑝 = −1 𝑞=1

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Past Paper Question - January 2014 – Question 11(a)

The matrix, 𝑇, is such that

2 −1
𝑇=( )

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1 3

(i) Determine, 𝑇 −1 , the inverse of 𝑇. [3]

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(ii) The matrix 𝑇 maps the point (𝑎, 𝑏) onto the point (4, 9). Determine the values

of 𝑎 and 𝑏. [4]
JA

Solution:
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2 −1 𝑎 𝑏
(i) 𝑇=( ) in the form ( )
1 3 𝑐 𝑑
S.

Finding the 𝑇 −1 :
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𝑑 −𝑏
𝑑ⅇ𝑡 = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝑇) = ( )
−𝑐 𝑎

3 1
= (2)(3) − (−1)(1) =( )
−1 2

=6+1

=7
 1
𝑇 −1 = 𝑑ⅇ𝑡 (𝑎𝑑𝑗)

1 3 1
= 7( )
−1 2
3 1
7 7
= (−1 2)
7 7

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𝑎 4
(ii) 𝑇( ) = ( )
𝑏 9

𝑎 4
∴ ( ) = 𝑇 −1 ( )
𝑏 9

𝑎
𝑏

𝑎
1 3
( ) = 7(
1 4
)( )
−1 2 9

1 12 + 9
( ) = 7( )
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𝑏 −4 + 18

𝑎 1 21
( ) = 7( )
𝑏 14
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𝑎 3
( )=( )
𝑏 2
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Past Paper Question - January 2013 – Question 11(b)

S.

0 −1
The matrix 𝐽 = ( ) represents a single transformation.
1 0
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The image of the point 𝑃 under the transformation 𝐽 is (5, 4).

Determine the coordinates of 𝑃. [3]

Solution:
 5
𝐽𝑃 = ( )
4

0 −1 5
( )𝑃 = ( )
1 0 4

0 −1 −1 5
𝑃=( ) ( )
1 0 4

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𝑑 −𝑏
𝑑ⅇ𝑡 = 𝑎𝑑 − 𝑏𝑐 𝑎𝑑𝑗(𝐽) = ( )
−𝑐 𝑎

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0 1
= (0)(0) − (−1)(1) =( )
−1 0

=1
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1
𝐽−1 = (𝑎𝑑𝑗)
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𝑑ⅇ𝑡

1 0 1
= 1( )
−1 0
R

0 1
=( )
−1 0
S.

Therefore,
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0 1 5
𝑃=( )( )
−1 0 4

(0 × 5) + (1 × 4)
𝑃=( )
(−1 × 5) + (0 × 4)

4
𝑃=( )
−5
Past Paper Question - January 2009 – Question 11(b)
−1 0
The transformation 𝑅 is represented by the matrix ( ).
0 1

0 1
The transformation 𝑆 is represented by the matrix ( ).
−1 0

𝑎 𝑏
(i) Write a single matrix, in the form ( ) to represent the combined
𝑐 𝑑

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transformation 𝑆 followed by 𝑅. [2]

(ii) Calculate the image of the point (5, −2) under the combined transformation in

(b) (i) above. [3]

Solution: UN
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0 1 −1 0
(i) 𝑆=( ) and 𝑅=( )
−1 0 0 1
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𝑆 followed by 𝑅.

This means 𝑅𝑆.

−1 0 0 1
𝑅𝑆 = ( )( )
0 1 −1 0
R

0 −1
=( )
−1 0
S.

0 −1 5 (0 × 5) + (−1 × −2)
(ii) ( )( ) = ( )
−1 0 −2 (−1 × 5) + (0 × −2)
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0+2
=( )
−5 + 0

2
=( )
−5