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UNIT 1: MATRICES AND SOLUTION OF LINEAR SYSTEM EQUATIONS

Definition: Matrix
A set of mn numbers or functions arranged in the form of a rectangular array having
‘m’ rows and ‘n’ columns enclosed in brackets, is called an m×n matrix.
General Concepts and Notations
1) The numbers (or functions) are called entries or elements of the matrix.
2) In double suffix notation, an m×n matrix is usually written as
 a11 a12 ... a1n 
a a22 ... a2n 
A= 
21
 ... ... ... ... 
 
am1 am 2 ... amn 
In a compact form, A = (aij ) m× n .
The element aij signifyies its location within the matrix. The first index is the number
of the row and the second is the number of the column, so that together the entry’s position is
uniquely identified. For example, a23 is in Row 2 and Column 3, etc. In general, aij is the
element in row i and column j.
Definition: Rank of a Matrix
An m × n matrix A is said to be of rank ‘r’ if
1) there exists at least one nonzero minor of A of order ‘r’ and
2) all minors of order greater than ‘r’ vanishes.
It is denoted by rank (A) or ρ ( A).

To determine the rank of matrix by using this definition, we need to find the values of
minors of various orders. This work is more computational and time consuming. So, we can
find the rank of matrix by using alternative methods discussed here.
Elementary Row (or Column) Operations.
The elementary Row Operations for matrices are as follows:
1) Interchange any two rows (Rij)
2) Multiplication of a row by a nonzero constant c (cRi)
3) Addition of a constant multiple of one row to another row (Ri+cRj)
Also the similar operations (transformations) can be performed on columns of matrix.
Echelon Form of a Matrix (Row Echelon Form)
A matrix is said to be in echelon form if
1) it consists rows of zeros, are the last rows.
2) The first nonzero entry in a nonzero row is a 1.
3) In consecutive nonzero rows, the entry 1 in the lower row appears to the right of the 1
in the previous row.
Note: 1. Number of nonzero rows in echelon form is always equal to rank of matrix.
2. Equivalent Matrices
We call a matrix B equivalent to a matrix A if B can be obtained from A by (finitely
many!) elementary row or column operations.
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
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3. Equivalent matrices have the same rank.

Hence we can determine the rank of a matrix by reducing the matrix to row-echelon form.
If a matrix A is equivalent to a row echelon form B, then
rank(A) = the number of nonzero rows in B.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Q. Reduce following matrices to echelon form and hence determine their ranks.
− 4 1 − 6
1)  1 2 − 5 
 
 6 3 − 4
Let the given matrix be By R3 + R2
− 4 1 − 6 1 2 − 5 
A =  1 2 − 5 ≈ 0 9 − 26
   
 6 3 − 4
0 0 0 
By R12
By (1 9) R2
 1 2 − 5 1 2 −5 
≈ − 4 1 − 6 ≈ 0 1 − 26 9
   
 6 3 − 4 0 0 0 
By R2 + 4 R1 , R3 − 6 R1 which is in echelon form and
1 2 −5  consists 2 nonzero rows.
≈ 0 9 − 26
 ∴ ρ ( A) = 2
 
0 − 9 26 

 2 1 − 3 − 6
2)  3 − 3 1 2
 
1 1 1 2 
Let the given matrix be By R2 − 3R1 , R3 − 2 R1
2 1 − 3 − 6 1 1 1 2 
A = 3 − 3 1 2 ≈ 0 −6 −2 −4

   
1 1 1 2  0 − 1 − 5 − 10
By R13 By R3 − 6R2
1 1 1 2
1 1 1 2 
≈ 3 − 3 1 2 ≈ 0 − 1 − 5 − 10

   
2 1 − 3 − 6 0 0 28 56 

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 3 of 23

1
By (−1) R2 ,R3
28
1 1 1 2 
≈ 0 1 5 10
 
0 0 1 2 
which is in echelon form and consists 3 nonzero rows.
∴ ρ ( A) = 3

1 3 0 2 4
3 3 − 1 6 3
3)  
2 1 − 1 7 9
 
5 8 − 1 7 1
Let the given matrix be By R3 + 5R2 , R4 + R2
1 3 0 2 4  1 3 0 2 4 
3 3 − 1 6 3 0 1 0 3 10
A= 
≈ 
2 1 − 1 7 9 0 0 − 1 18 51
   
5 8 − 1 7 1  0 0 − 1 18 51
By R2 − 3R1 , R3 − 2 R1 , R4 − 5R1
By R4 − R3
1 3 0 2 4 
1 3 0 2 4 
0 − 6 −1 0 −9 0 1 0 3 10
≈ 
≈ 
0 − 5 −1 3 1  0 0 − 1 18 51
   
0 − 7 − 1 − 3 − 19
0 0 0 0 0 
By R2 − R4
By (−1) R3
1 3 0 2 4 
1 3 0 2 4 
0 1 10  0
≈ 
0 3
 1 0 3 10 
0 − 5 − 1 3 1  ≈ 
  0 0 1 − 18 − 51
0 − 7 − 1 − 3 − 19  
0 0 0 0 0 
which is in echelon form and consists 3
nonzero rows.
∴ ρ ( A) = 3

2 − 4 3 1 0 
1 − 2 1 − 4 2 
4)  
0 1 − 1 3 1 
 
4 − 7 4 5 − 4
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 4 of 23

Let the given matrix be By R4 − R2

2 − 4 3 1 0 
1 − 2 1 −4 2 
1 − 2 1 − 4 2  0 1
A=  −1 3 1 
0 1 − 1 3 1  ≈ 
  0 0 1 9 −4
4 − 7 4 5 − 4  
0 0 1 18 − 13
By R12
By R4 − R3
1 − 2 1 − 4 2  1 − 2 1 −4 2 
2 − 4 3 0  0 1
≈
1
 −1 3 1 
0 1 − 1 3 1  ≈ 
  0 0 1 9 −4
4 − 7 4 5 − 4  
0 0 1 18 − 13
By R2 − 2 R1 , R4 − 4 R1
By R4 − R3
1 − 2 1 − 4 2 
1 − 2 1 −4 2 
0 0 −4 0 1
≈ 
1 9
 −1 3 1 
0 1 − 1 3 1  ≈ 
  0 0 1 9 − 4
0 1 0 21 − 12  
0 0 0 9 − 9
By R12
By (1 / 9) R4
1 − 2 1 − 4 2 
1 − 2 1 − 4 2 
0 1 − 1 3 1  0 1 − 1 3
≈   1 
0 0 ≈  
1 9 −4 0 0 1 9 − 4
   
0 1 0 21 − 12 1 − 1
0 0 0
which is in echelon form and consists 4
nonzero rows.
∴ ρ ( A) = 4

0 1 2 0 3
2 4 8 2 4
5)  
1 2 4 2 2
 
1 3 6 1 5
Let the given matrix be By R13
0 1 2 0 3
1 2 4 2 2
2 4 8 2 4 2
A=  4 8 2 4
1 2 4 2 2 ≈ 
  0 1 2 0 3
1 3 6 1 5  
1 3 6 1 5

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 5 of 23

By R2 − 2 R1 , R4 − R1 1 2 4 2 2
0 1 2 0 3
1 2 4 2
2
0 ≈ 
0 0 − 2 0 0 0 0 − 2 0
≈   
0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 − 1 0
  1
0 1 2 − 1 3 By (− ) R3 and followed by R4 + R3
By R23 2
1 2 4 2 2
1 2 4 2 2 0
0 1 2 0 3
1 2 0 3 ≈ 
≈  0 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 − 2 0  
  0 0 0 0 0
0 1 2 − 1 3
which is in echelon form and consists 3
By R4 − R2 nonzero rows.
∴ ρ ( A) = 3
Problems for Practice
Find the rank of following matrices by reducing to echelon form.
0 2 4 2
2 1 − 2 3 4
 2 1 3  1 1 2 4
    1 0 5 1 1 4 6 8
1) 6 3 9 2) − 1 2 4 3)   4)  
    6 3 2 9 1 0 1 0 0
− 2 − 1 − 3 − 1 0 3    
6 6 6 12 0 2 5 6 8
Ans: 1) 1 2) 3 3) 3 4) 3

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

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Systems of Linear Algebraic Equations

A system of m linear equations in n unknowns x1, x2, …., xn is a set of equations of
the form
a11 x1 + a12 x2 + ... + a1n xn = b1
a21 x1 + a22 x2 + ... + a2 n xn = b2
... ... ... ... ... ... ... (1)
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
am1 x1 + am 2 x2 + ... + amn xn = bm
The system is called linear because each variable xj appears in the first power only, just as
in the equation of a straight line. a11, a12, a13,…,amn are given numbers, called the
coefficients of the system. b1, b2, …,bm on the right are also given numbers (constants).
If all the bi are zero, then (1) is called a homogeneous system.
If at least one bi is not zero, then (1) is called a nonhomogeneous system.
Solution of Linear System
A solution of a linear system (1) is a set of n numbers x1, x2, …., xn that satisfies all
the m equations.
A linear system of equations is said to be consistent if it has at least one solution and
inconsistent if it has no solution .
If a linear system is consistent, it has either
1) a unique solution (that is, precisely one solution), or
2) infinitely many solutions.

Matrix Form of the Linear System (1)

From the definition of matrix multiplication we see that the m equations of (1) may be
written as a single matrix equation
AX = B (2)
i.e.
 a11 a12 ... a1n   x1   b1 
a a22 ... a2 n   x2  b 
 21    = 
2
 ... ... ... ...   ..   .. 
     
am1 am 2 ... amn   xn  bm 
where the coefficient matrix A = [aij] is the m × n matrix
 a11 a12 ... a1n   x1   b1 
a ... a2 n  x  b 
21 a22
A = [aij ] =   and X =  2  B= 
2
and
 ... ... ... ...   ..   .. 
     
am1 am 2 ... amn   xn  bm 
are column vectors.
We assume that the coefficients are not all zero, so that A is not a zero matrix. Note that X
has n components, whereas B has m components.

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 7 of 23

Augmented Matrix
 a11 a12 ... a1n b1 
a ... a2n b2 
21 a22
The matrix ( A; B ) =  
 ... ... ... ... 
 
am1 am 2 ... amn bm 
is called the augmented matrix of the system (1). Note that the augmented matrix
determines the system (1) completely because it contains all the given numbers appearing
in (1).

Conditions for consistency and nature of solution of system of linear algebraic

equations are summarized below.

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

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Conditions for Consistency of Systems of Linear Algebraic Equations

Systems of Linear Algebraic Equations

Homogeneous System Nonhomogeneous System

(AX=0) (AX=B)

Always Consistent
Consistent only if Inconsistent if
ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) ρ ( A) ≠ ρ ( A; B )
If ρ ( A) = n If ρ ( A) = r < n
(Trivial Solution) (Infinitely many solutions (Solution does not exist)
x1= x2=…= xn =0 with n – r parameters)

If ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = n If ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = r < n
(Unique Solution) (Infinitely many solutions
with n – r parameters)
Note: Here n = number of unknowns

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 9 of 23

NONHOMOGENEOUS SYSTEM (AX=B)

SOLVED PROBLEMS
Unique Solution
I. Test for consistency and if possible solve the following systems of equations:
1) x + y + z = 3, x + 2 y + 3 z = 4 , x + 4 y + 9 z =6.
Given equations can be expressed in matrix form as
1 1 1   x  3
1 2 3  y  = 4
     
1 4 9   z  6
i.e. AX = B
The augmented matrix is
1 1 1 3
( A; B ) = 1 2 3 4
 
1 4 9 6 
By R2 − R1 , R3 − R1
1 1 1 3
≈  0 1 2 1
 
0 3 8 3
By R3 − 3R2
1 1 1 3 
≈ 0 1 2 1 
 
0 0 2 0
which is in echelon form.
Here, ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = 3( no. of unknowns )
∴Given equations are consistent and possesses unique solution.
By back substitution,
R3  z = 0
R2  y + 2 z = 1∴ y = 1 − 2(0) = 1
R1  x + y + z = 3 ∴ x = 3 − 1 − 0 = 2
The solution is x = 2, y = 1, z = 0.
2) x + 2 y + 3 z =14 , x + y + z = 6 , 2 x + 4 y + 7 z =30.
The matrix form of given system is
1 2 3  x  14 
1 1 1   y  =  6 
     
2 4 7   z  30
i.e. AX = B
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 10 of 23

The augmented matrix is

1 2 3 14 
( A; B ) = 1 1 1 6 
 
2 4 7 30
By R2 − R1 , R3 − 2 R1
1 2 3 14 
≈ 0 − 1 − 2 − 8

0 0 1 2 
which is in echelon form.
Here, ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = 3( no. of unknowns )
∴Given system is consistent and possesses unique solution.
By back substitution,
R3  z = 2
R2  − y − 2 z = −8 ∴ y = 8 − 2( 2) = 4
R1  x + 2 y + 3 z = 14 ∴ x = 14 − 2( 4) − 3(2) = 0
The solution is x = 0, y = 4, z = 2.
3) 2 x1 + x 2 +2 x3 + x4 = 6 , 6 x1 − 6 x2 +6 x3 + 12 x4 = 36 ,

4 x1 +3 x2 +3 x3 − 3 x4 = − 1, 2 x1 + 2 x2 − x3 + x4 = 10.
Given equations can be expressed in matrix form as
2 1 2 1   x1   6 
6 − 6 6 12   x   36 
   2 =  
4 3 3 − 3  x3   − 1
     
2 2 − 1 1   x4  10 
i.e. AX = B

The augmented matrix is By R2 − 3R1 , R3 − 2 R1 , R4 − R1

2 1 2 1 6
2 1 2 1 6 
6 − 6 6 12 36  0 − 9 0
( A; B ) =   9 18 
4 3 3 −3 − 1 ≈ 
  0 1 − 1 − 5 − 13
2 2 − 1 1 10   
0 1 − 3 0 4 

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 11 of 23

By ( −1 / 9) R2 By R4 − 3R3
2 1 2 1 6  2 1 2 1 6 
0 1 0 −1 −2 0 1 0 −1 −2
≈  ≈  
0 1 −1 − 5 − 13 0 0 −1 − 4 − 11
   
0 1 −3 0 4  0 0 0 13 39 
By R3 − R2 , R4 − R2 which is in echelon form.
2 1 2 1 6 
0 1 0 −1 −2
≈ 
0 0 −1 − 4 − 11
 
0 0 −3 1 6 

Here, ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = 4( no. of unknowns )

∴Given equations are consistent and possesses unique solution.
By back substitution,
R4  13 x4 = 39 ∴ x4 = 3
R3  − x3 − 4 x4 = −11 ∴ x3 = 11 − 4(3) = −1
R2  x2 − x4 = −2 ∴ x 2 = −2 + 3 = 1
1
R1  2 x1 + x2 + 2 x3 + x4 = 6 ∴ x1 = {6 − 1 − 2(−1) − 3} = 2
2
The solution is x1 = 2, x 2 = 1, x3 = −1, x 4 = 3.
Infinite Solutions
4) x1 + 4 x2 + 3x3 = −2 ,
− 2 x1 − 3x2 − x3 = 4 ,
− x1 + 6 x2 + 7 x3 = 2,
− 3 x1 + 3 x2 + 6 x3 = 6
The matrix form of given system is
1 4 3 − 2
− 2 − 3 − 1 x   
   1  4 
−1 6 7  x2  =  2 
  x   
 3
− 3 3 6  6 
i.e. AX = B

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 12 of 23

The augmented matrix is By R3 − 2 R2 , R4 − 3 R2

1 4 3 − 2
1 4 3 − 2
− 2 − 3 − 1 4  0
( A; B ) =   5 5 0 
−1 6 7 2  ≈ 
  0 0 0 0 
− 3 3 6 6   
0 0 0 0 
By R2 + 2 R1 , R3 + R1 , R4 + 3 R1 which is in echelon form.
1 4 3 − 2 
0 5 5 0 
≈  
0 10 10 0 
 
0 15 15 0 

Here, ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = r = 2 < n = 3( no. of unknowns )

∴Given is consistent and possesses infinitely many solutions with
n − r = 3 − 2 = 1 parameter.
By back substitution,
R2  5 x2 + 5 x3 = 0 i.e. x2 + x3 = 0
Let x3 = a be the parameter.
∴ x2 = − a
R1  x1 + 4 x2 + 3 x3 = −2 ∴ x1 = −2 − 4( − a ) − 3a = a − 2
The solution is x1 = 2 − a, x2 = − a, x3 = a.

5) x1 − x2 + 2 x3 + x4 = 2 , 3 x1 + 2 x2 + x4 = 1 , 4 x1 + x2 + 2 x3 + 2 x4 = 3
Given equations can be expressed in matrix form as
 x1 
1 − 1 2 1     2 
 3 2 0 1   x 2  = 1 
  x   
4 1 2 2  3  3
 x4 
i.e. AX = B

The augmented matrix is By R2 − 3 R1 , R3 − 4 R1

1 − 1 2 1 2 1 − 1 2 1 2
( A; B ) =  3 2 0 1 1  ≈ 0 5 − 6 − 2 − 5

 
 4 1 2 2 3 0 5 − 6 − 2 − 5

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 13 of 23

By R3 − R2
1 − 1 2 1 2
≈ 0 5 − 6 − 2 − 5 
 
0 0 0 0 0 
which is in echelon form.
Here, ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = r = 2 < n = 4( no. of unknowns )
∴Given equations are consistent and possesses infinite number of solutions with
n − r = 4 − 2 = 2 parameters.
By back substitution,
R2  5 x2 − 6 x3 − 2 x4 = −5
Let x3 = a & x4 = b be the parameters.
6a + 2b − 5
x2 =
5
R1  x1 − x2 + 2 x3 + x4 = 2
6a + 2b − 5 5 − 4a − 3b
∴ x1 = 2 + − 2a − b =
5 5
To find values of arbitrary constants
II. Find the values of λ and µ so that the following system of equations have
i) no solution, ii) unique solution and iii) an infinite number of solutions.
2 x + 3 y +5 z = 9 , 7 x + 3 y − 2 z = 8, 2 x + 3 y + λz = µ
Given system can be written in matrix form as
2 3 5   x   9 
7 3 − 2   y  =  8 
     
2 3 λ   z   µ 
i.e. AX = B

The augmented matrix is By R12

2 3 5 9  1 − 6 − 17 − 19
( A; B ) = 7 3 − 2 8  ≈ 2 3 9 
  5

2 3 λ µ  2 3 λ µ 
By R2 − 3R1
By R3 − R2
2 3 5 9 
1 − 6 − 17 − 19 
≈ 1 − 6 − 17 − 19
  ≈ 2 3 5 9 

2 3 λ µ  0 0 λ − 5 µ − 9

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 14 of 23

By R2 − 2 R1
1 − 6 − 17 − 19 
≈ 0 15 39 47 
 
0 0 λ − 5 µ − 9
(i) The system will have no solution only if ρ ( A) ≠ ρ ( A; B ).
This is possible here if λ − 5 = 0 & µ − 9 ≠ 0 i.e. λ = 5 & µ ≠ 9.
(ii) The system will have unique solution only if
ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = 3(no of unknowns ).
This is possible here if λ − 5 ≠ 0 i.e. λ ≠ 5 & µ may have any value.
(iii) The system will have infinite number of solution only if
ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) < 3(no of unknowns ).
This is possible here if λ − 5 = 0 & µ − 9 = 0 i.e. λ = 5 & µ = 9.
III. For what values of λ, the equations
x + y +z = 1, 2 x + y + 4 z = λ, 4 x + y + 10 z = λ2
have solution. Find the solution in each case.
Given equations can be written in matrix form as
1 1 1  x  1 
2 1 4   y =  λ 
     
4 1 10  z  λ2 
i.e. AX = B
The augmented matrix is
1 1 1 1 
( A; B ) =  2 1 4 λ 
 
2
 4 1 10 λ 
By R2 − 2 R1 , R3 − 4 R1
1 1 1 1 
≈ 0 − 1 2 λ − 2 
 
2
0 − 3 6 λ − 4
By R3 − 3R2
1 1 1 1 

≈ 0 −1 2 λ −2  (1)
 
0 0 0 λ2 − 3λ + 2
The system will have solution if and only if ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B )
This is possible here if λ2 − 3λ + 2 = 0.
 (λ − 1)(λ − 2) = 0
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 15 of 23

∴λ = 1& 2
Case 1: For λ = 1
Matrix (1) becomes
1 1 1 1 
( A; B ) ≈ 0 − 1 2 − 1
 
0 0 0 0 
R2  − y + 2 z = −1
Let z = a be the parameter. ∴ y = 1 + 2a
R1  x + y + z = 1 ∴ x = 1 − 1 − 2a − a = −3a
∴The solution is x = −3a, y = 1 + 2a, z = a.
Case 2: For λ = 2
Matrix (1) becomes
1 1 1 1 
( A; B ) ≈ 0 − 1 2 0
 
0 0 0 0
R2  − y + 2 z = 0
Let z = b be the parameter. ∴ y = 2b
R1  x + y + z = 1 ∴ x = 1 − 2b − b = 1 − 3b
∴The solution is x = 1 − 3b, y = 2b, z = b.
IV. Find for what values of k, the set of equations
2 x − 3 y +6 z − 5t = 3, y − 4 z + t = 1, 4 x − 5 y + 8 z − 9t =k
have (i) no solution, (ii) infinite number of solutions.
Given equations can be written in matrix form as
x
 2 − 3 6 − 5    3 
0 1 − 4 1   y  = 1 
  z  
4 − 5 8 − 9   k 
t 
i.e. AX = B
The augmented matrix is
2 − 3 6 − 5 3 
( A; B ) = 0 1 − 4 1 1 
 
4 − 5 8 − 9 k 
By R3 − 2 R1
2 − 3 6 − 5 3 
≈ 0 1 − 4 1 1 
 
0 1 − 4 1 k − 6
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 16 of 23

By R3 − R2
2 − 3 6 − 5 3 
≈ 0 1 − 4 1 1  (1)
 
0 0 0 0 k − 7 
(i) The system will have no solution if and only if ρ ( A) ≠ ρ ( A; B )
This is possible here if k ≠ 7.
(ii) The system will have infinite number solutions if and only if
ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; B ) = r < n = 4
This is possible here if k = 7.
∴For k = 7, matrix (1) becomes
 2 − 3 6 − 5 3
( A; B ) ≈ 0 1 − 4 1 1 
 
0 0 0 0 0
R2  y − 4 z + t = 1
Let z = a & t = b be the parameters.
∴ y = 1 + 4a − b
1
R1  2 x − 3 y + 6 z − 5t = 3 ∴ x = {3 + 3 + 12a − 3b − 6a + 5b} = 3 + 3a + b
2
HOMOGENEOUS SYSTEM (AX=O)
Augmented Matrix for Homogeneous system
The Homogeneous system of m linear equations in n unknowns x1, x2, …., xn is a
set of equations of the form
a11x1 + a12 x2 + ... + a1n xn = 0
a21 x1 + a22 x2 + ... + a2n xn = 0
... ... ... ... ... ... ... (1)
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
am1 x1 + am 2 x2 + ... + amn xn = 0
The augmented matrix of the homogeneous system is
 a11 a12 ... a1n 0
a a22 ... a2n 
0
( A; O ) =  21
 ... ... ... ... 
 
am1 am 2 ... amn 0
As last column of this matrix consists only zeros, it always satisfies the condition
ρ ( A) = ρ ( A; O )
Hence, every homogeneous system is consistent, it has either a unique solution (that is,
precisely one solution), or infinitely many solutions.
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 17 of 23

1. If ρ ( A) = r = n (no. of unknowns), then the system possesses unique solution (zero

solution) given by x1 = x2 = ... = xn = 0.
This solution is also called as trivial solution.
2. If ρ ( A) = r < n (no. of unknowns), then the system possesses infinitely many
solutions with n − r parameters.
This solution is known as nontrivial solution.

Note: If number of equations is equal to number of unknowns i. e. if the coefficient matrix

A is square matrix then
1. The homogeneous system has trivial solution if and only if A ≠ 0.
2. The homogeneous system has nontrivial solution if and only if A = 0.

IV. Solve the following systems of equations

(1) x + 2 y +3 z = 0 , 3 x + 4 y +4 z = 0 , 7 x + 10 y + 12 z = 0 {0,0,0}
(7) 2 x -2 y +5 z + 3w = 0, 4 x - y + z + w = 0, 3x - 2 y +3z + 4w = 0 ,
x - 3 y + 7 z + 6w = 0 {5k, 36k, 7k, 9k}
IX. Determine the values of λ for which the following systems of equations may possess
non-trivial solution. Determine the solution for any value.
(1) 3x + y -λz = 0, 4x - 2y -3z = 0, 2λx + 4y + λz = 0
(2) 2 x − 2 y + z = λx , 2 x − 3 y + 2 z = λy , − x + 2 y = λz
(3) 4 x + 2 y − 5 z = 0 , x + λy + 2 z = 0 , 2 x + y − z = 0 {λ = 1 2}
(4) 2 x + y + 2 z = 0 , x + y + 3 z = 0 , 4 x + 3 y + λz = 0 {λ = 8; x = k , y = −4k , z = k}
(5) x + λy + 3 z = 0 , 4 x + 3 y + λz = 0 , 2 x + y + 2 z = 0 {λ = 9 2 , λ = 0; }
(6) λx1 − x2 − x3 = 0 , − x1 + λx2 − x3 = 0, − x1 − x2 + λx3 = 0 {λ = −1}
(7) 3x1 + x2 − λx3 = 0 , 2 x1 + 4 x2 + λx3 = 0, 8 x1 − 4 x2 − 6 x3 = 0 {λ = 1}
(8) 4 x + 9 y + z = 0 , λx + 3 y + λz = 0 , x + 4 y + 2 z = 0 {λ = 1; x = 2k , y = −k , z = k}

SOLVED PROBLEMS
I. Use matrix method to solve the equations
1) x + 2 y +3 z = 0 , 2 x + 3 y +z = 0 , 4 x + 5 y + 4 z = 0 , x + y - 2 z = 0
Given equations can be expressed in matrix form AX = 0 as
1 2 3 
2  x  0 
3 1   y  = 0 
 
4 5 4     
   z  0
1 1 − 2
The coefficient matrix is

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 18 of 23

1 2 3  By R3 − 3R2 , R4 − R2
2 3 1  1 2 3
A= 
 0 − 1 − 5
4 5 4 
  ≈ 
1 1 − 2 0 0 7
By R2 − 2 R1 , R3 − 4 R1 , R4 − R1  
0 0 0
1 2 3 which is in echelon form.
 0 − 1 − 5
≈ 
0 − 3 − 8 
 
 0 − 1 − 5

Here, ρ ( A) = 3 = n( no. of unknowns )

∴Given homogeneous equations possesses trivial solution given by
x = 0, y = 0 & z = 0.

2) x + 3 y − 2 z = 0; 2 x − y + 4 z = 0; x − 11 y + 14 z =0.
Given homogeneous equations can be written in matrix form AX = 0 as
1 3 − 2   x  0 
2 − 1 4   y  = 0 
     
1 − 11 14   z  0

The coefficient matrix is By R3 − 2 R2

1 3 − 2
1 3 − 2 
A = 2 − 1 4 ≈ 0 − 7 8 
   
1 − 11 14  0 0 0 
By R2 − 2 R1 , R3 − R1 which is in echelon form.
1 3 − 2
≈ 0 − 7 8 
 
0 − 14 16 

Here, ρ ( A) = 2 = r < n = 3( no. of unknowns )

∴Given homogeneous equations possesses nontrivial solution with n – r =1
parameter. By back substitution,
8t
R2  − 7 y + 8 z = 0, Put z = t ∴ y =
7
Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.
Page 19 of 23

8t 10t
R1  x + 3 y − 2 z = 0 ∴ x = −3( ) + 2t = −
7 7
10t 8t
∴ The nontrivial solution is x = − , y = & z = t.
7 7
3) 3 x1+ 4 x2 - x3 - 6 x4 = 0, 2 x1 + 3x2 + 2 x3 - 3 x4 = 0 , 2 x1 +x2 - 14 x3 - 9 x4 = 0,
x1 + 3 x2 − 13z + 3 x4 = 0
Given system of homogeneous equations can be written in matrix form AX = 0 as
3 4 −1− 6  x1  0
2 x   
3 2 − 3  2  = 0 
 
2 1 − 14 − 9   x3  0
     
1 3 − 13 3   x4  0
The coefficient matrix is
3 4 −1− 6
2 3 2 − 3
A= 
2 1 − 14 − 9
 
1 3 − 13 3 
By R1 − R2 By R3 + R2 , R4 − 2 R2
1 1 − 3
−3 1 1 −3 − 3
2 3 2 − 3 0 1 8 3
≈  ≈ 
2 1 − 14 − 9 0 0 0 0
   
1 3 − 13 3  0 0 − 26 0 
By R2 − 2 R1 , R3 − 2 R1 , R4 − R1 By R34
1 1 − 3 − 3 1 1 −3 − 3
0 1 8 3 0 1 8 3
≈   ≈ 
0 − 1 − 8 − 3 0 0 − 26 0 
   
0 2 − 10 6  0 0 0 0
which is in echelon form.

Here, ρ ( A) = 3 = r < n = 4( no. of unknowns )

∴Given system possesses nontrivial solution with n – r =1parameter.
By back substitution,
R3  − 26 x3 = 0 ∴ x3 = 0
R2  x2 + 8 x3 + 3 x4 = 0 i.e. x2 + 3 x4 = 0
Let x4 = a, ∴ x2 = −3 x4 = −3a

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 20 of 23

R1  x1 + x2 − 3 x3 − 3 x4 = 0 ∴ x1 = − x2 + 3 x3 + 3 x4 = 3a + 3a = 6 a
∴ The nontrivial solution is x1 = 6 a , x2 = −3a , x3 = 0, x4 = a.
II. Find the value of k so that the equations
x + y + 3 z = 0, 4 x + 3 y + kz = 0, 2 x + y + 2 z = 0
have a nontrivial solution. Also find the solution.
Given homogeneous equations can be written in matrix form AX = 0 as
1 1 3   x  0 
 4 3 k   y  = 0 
     
2 1 2   z  0
As the coefficient matrix is square matrix, given equations have nontrivial solution only
if A = 0.
1 1 3
∴4 3 k =0
2 1 2
i.e. (6 − k ) − (8 − 2k ) + 3(4 − 6) = 0
or k − 8 = 0  k = 8

Now, for k = 8, the coeff. matrix is

1 1 3 
4 3 8 
 
2 1 2
By R2 − 4 R1 , R3 − 2 R1
1 1 3 
≈ 0 − 1 − 4
0 − 1 − 4
By R3 − R2
1 1 3 
≈ 0 − 1 − 4
0 0 0 
which is in echelon form.
By back substitution,
R2  − y − 4 z = 0, Put z = t ∴ y = −4t
R1  x + y + 3 z = 0 ∴ x = −(−4t ) − 3t = t
∴ For k = 8, the nontrivial solution is x = t , y = −4t & z = t.

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 21 of 23

III. Determine the values of λ for which the following set of equations may possess nontrivial
solution.
3 x + y − λz = 0, 4 x − 2 y − 3 z = 0, 2λx + 4 y + λz = 0
For each possible of λ , determine the general solution.
Given homogeneous equations can be expressed in matrix form as
3 1 − λ  x  0 
4 − 2 − 3  y  = 0 
     
2λ 4 λ   z  0
i.e. AX = 0
As the coefficient matrix is square matrix, given system have nontrivial solution only if
A = 0.
3 1 −λ
∴ 4 −2 −3 = 0
2λ 4 λ
i.e. 3(−2λ + 12) − ( 4λ + 6λ ) − λ (16 + 4λ ) = 0
or − 4λ2 − 32λ + 36 = 0  λ2 + 8λ − 9 = 0
∴ (λ − 1)(λ + 9) = 0  λ = 1 & λ = −9

Case1: For λ = 1, By R2 − 4 R1 , R3 − 2 R1
the coeff. matrix is
1 − 3 − 2 
 3 1 − 1
4 − 2 − 3 ≈ 0 10 5 
 
  0 10 5 
2 4 1 
By R3 − R2
By R1 − R3
1 − 3 − 2 
1 − 3 − 2 
≈ 0 10 5 
≈ 4 − 2 − 3  
0 0 0 
2 4 1 
which is in echelon form.

By back substitution,
a
R2  10 y + 5 z = 0, Put z = a ∴ y = −
2
3a a
R1  x − 3 y − 2 z = 0 ∴ x = − + 2a =
2 2

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 22 of 23

a a
∴ For λ= 1, the nontrivial solution is x = , y = − & z = a.
2 2
Case2: For λ = -9, the coeff. matrix is
 3 1 9
 4 − 2 − 3 By (1 / 5) R2 & (1 / 25) R3
 
− 18 4 − 9 − 1 3 12 
≈ 0 2 9
By R1 − R2  
 −1 3 12   0 − 2 − 9
≈  4 − 2 − 3 By R3 + R2
 
− 18 4 − 9 − 1 3 12
≈ 0 2 9 
By R2 + 4 R1 , R3 − 18 R1  
− 1 3 12   0 0 0 

≈ 0 10 45  which is in echelon form.
 
 0 − 50 − 225

By back substitution,
9b
R2  2 y + 9 z = 0, Put z = b ∴ y = −
2
27b − 3b
R1  − x + 3 y + 12 z = 0 ∴ x = − + 12b =
2 2
3b 9b
∴ For λ= -9, the nontrivial solution is x = − , y = − & z = b.
2 2
IV. Determine the integer value of λ for which the following set of equations may possess
nontrivial solution.
2 x − 2 y + z = λx , 2 x − 3 y + 2 z = λ y , − x + 2 y = λ z
Also determine the solution for that value.
Rewriting given equations as
( 2 − λ ) x − 2 y + z = 0 , 2 x − (3 + λ ) y + 2 z = 0 , − x + 2 y − λ z = 0
These homogeneous equations can be expressed in matrix form as
2 − λ −2 1   x  0 
 2 − (3 + λ ) 2   y  = 0 
     
 − 1 2 − λ   z  0
i.e. AX = 0
As the coefficient matrix is square matrix, given system have nontrivial solution only
if A = 0.

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.

Page 23 of 23

2−λ −2 1
∴ 2 − (3 + λ ) 2 =0
−1 2 −λ
i.e. (2 − λ )(λ2 + 3λ − 4) + 2(−2λ + 2) + 4 + 3 + λ = 0
or λ3 + λ2 − 7λ − 3 = 0
∴ (λ + 3)(λ2 − 2λ − 1) = 0  λ = −3 is the only integer value.
For λ = -3, the coeff. matrix is By R2 − 2 R1 , R3 + R1
 5 − 2 1 1 − 2 − 3
2 0 2
  ≈ 0 4 8
− 1 2 3  
0 0 0 
By R1 − 2 R2 which is in echelon form.
 1 − 2 − 3
≈  2 0 2

− 1 2 3 

By back substitution,
R2  4 y + 8 z = 0, Put z = k ∴ y = −2k
R1  x − 2 y − 3 z = 0 ∴ x = 2( −2k ) + 3k = − k
∴ For λ= -3, the nontrivial solution is x = − k , y = −2k & z = k .

Dept of Mathematics, KITCOEK.