Gauss Elimination: A
Step-by-Step Guide
The Gauss elimination method is a fundamental technique in linear
algebra for solving systems of linear equations. It leverages a series
of systematic transformations to transform the original system into
an equivalent upper triangular system, simplifying the solution
process.
By
B.Sahithya(24P61A0418)
D.Niharika(24P61A0444)
Introduction to Gauss
Elimination
Key Concept Application
The Gauss elimination method aims to solve systems of Gauss elimination is widely used in various fields,
linear equations by systematically eliminating variables including engineering, physics, economics, and computer
through a series of elementary row operations. These science, to solve problems involving systems of linear
operations include: swapping rows, multiplying a row by a equations.
non-zero scalar, and adding a multiple of one row to
another row.
Augmented Matrix
Representation
Representing Structure
Equations
A system of linear equations can be efficiently The augmented matrix is constructed by writing the
represented by an augmented matrix, which combines coefficients of the variables to the left of a vertical line
the coefficients of the variables and the constants into and the constants on the right.
a single matrix.
Example
Steps of Gauss
Elimination
Forward Backward
Elimination
The goal of this phase is to Substitution
Once the matrix is in upper
convert the augmented matrix triangular form, we can easily
into an upper triangular form by solve for the variables by back-
performing elementary row substitution, starting with the
operations to eliminate variables last equation and working our
below the main diagonal. This way up.
involves systematically targeting
each column starting from the
first, eliminating the elements
below the pivot.
Elimination
Process
1 The first step is to make the leading coefficient (pivot)
of the first row equal to 1. If it's not 1, multiply the first
row by the reciprocal of that coefficient.
2 Eliminate the coefficients below the pivot by
subtracting a suitable multiple of the first row from the
other rows.
3 Repeat these steps for the second row, making the
second leading coefficient equal to 1 and eliminating
coefficients below it, and so on.
Backward
Substitution
Solving for
Variables
After forward elimination, the system of equations
represented by the matrix is now in an upper triangular
form.
Back Substitution
Starting from the last equation, we can directly solve for
the last variable. Substitute this value into the next
equation and solve for the next variable, continuing this
process until we find all the variables.
Advantages and
Limitations
1 2
Efficiency Versatility
Gauss elimination can be applied It can be adapted for solving a
to both square and non-square wide range of problems,
systems of linear equations. It's including finding the inverse of a
an efficient method for solving matrix, determining the rank of a
relatively small systems. matrix, and solving systems of
differential equations.
Conclusion and
Applications
The Gauss elimination method is a powerful tool for solving systems
of linear equations, offering a systematic and efficient approach. It
finds widespread use in various fields for solving real-world problems
involving linear relationships.
