Section One: Linear Systems

Textbook: Ch. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 (part)

GOALS OF THIS CHAPTER
- define a linear system

- review the elimination method to solve linear systems

- review the substitution method of solving linear systems - see examples of systems that have unique solutions, infinitely many solutions, and no solution - give a geometric interpretation of the solution

INTRODUCTION

Lets start with some definitions:

An unknown, or variable, is a letter we are trying to solve for.

A linear equation is an equation that relates unknowns and numbers. The power of all unknowns must be equal to one.

INTRODUCTION

Ex. 1 Some Linear and Non-Linear Equations

2x = 17
linear

3x2 + y = 7
non-linear

y = 3x + 22
linear

x = y-4 + 3
non-linear

INTRODUCTION

We can combine linear equations to create a linear system:

A linear system is a collection of linear equations. We often say it is a system of m equations in n unknowns.

INTRODUCTION

Ex. 2 Some Linear Systems

x + 3y - z = 1 7x +z=7 4y 3z = 9
A system of 3 equations in 3 unknowns.

2x - 3y = 16 x+ y=1 -x + 4y = 2/3
A system of 3 equations in 2 variables.

INTRODUCTION

Finally, we discuss the possible outcomes, or the types of solutions, we can obtain from a linear system:
The solution set (or solution) of a linear system is a collection of numbers that satisfy all the linear equations. A solution set can be one of the following: (1) A unique solution each unknown has only one value (2) An infinite solution each unknown has many values (sometimes called a parametric solution) (3) No solution no value of the unknowns will satisfy all the equations

INTRODUCTION

We can classify solutions as inconsistent or consistent:

Consistent Unique Soln Infinite Soln No Soln

Yes Yes No

Inconsistent
No No Yes

SUBSTITUTION METHOD

This method is best used when we have a system of two equations in two variables.
Ex. 3 The Substitution Method

x + 2y = 10 2x - 2y = -4

1
2

Label your equations with a number.

x = -2y +10 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

Isolate a variable in equation one.

SUBSTITUTION METHOD

x = -2y +10 2(-2y+10) - 2y = -4

x = -2y +10 -4y + 20 - 2y = -4

1
2

Substitute x = -2y + 10 into the second equation.

1 2

Expand into the brackets.

x = -2y +10 -6y = -24

1 2

Collect like terms.

SUBSTITUTION METHOD

x y=4

= -2y +10

Divide both sides by -6.

2

x y=4

= -2(4) +10

Substitute y = 4 into the first equation.

2

x=2 y=4

1 2

Solution set is {x = 2, y = 4}. This is a unique and consistent solution.

ELIMINATION METHOD

This method can be used when your linear system has any number of equations and any number of unknowns.
We can perform any of the three following steps:

(1) Interchange any two equations. (2) Multiply an equation by a non-zero number. (3) Add (or subtract) a multiple of one equation to (from) another.

ELIMINATION METHOD

Lets see what these steps may look like using a 2 by 2 system.
Ex. 4 Elimination Steps

x + 2y = 10 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

2x - 2y = -4 x + 2y = 10

1 2

Switching equation one and two. One switched with two.

ELIMINATION METHOD

Ex. 4 Elimination Steps

x + 2y = 10 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

2*

2x + 4y = 20 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

Multiplying equation one by two. One goes to two times one.

ELIMINATION METHOD

Ex. 4 Elimination Steps

x + 2y = 10 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

3x =6 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

Adding equation two to equation one. One goes to one plus two.

ELIMINATION METHOD

Lets actually solve this problem now!

Ex. 5 The Elimination Method

x + 2y = 10 2x - 2y = -4

1
2

Indicate what step you are doing over an arrow.

3x + 0y = 6 2x - 2y = -4

1 2

/3

If we divide by three, we will get an answer for x.

ELIMINATION METHOD

Ex. 5 The Elimination Method x =2 2x - 2y = -4 x =2 x - y = -2

1 2 2 2

/2

Instead of substituting, we now try to eliminate x in the second equation.

1 2

=2 - y = -4

1
2

(-1) *

x=2 y=4

1
2

Our solution set is {x = 2, y = 4}.

ELIMINATION METHOD

There are three types of systems we will work with in this course.

An equally determined system has the same number of equations as variables. These systems can have any type of solution. x + 3y - z = 1 7x +z=7 4y 3z = 9
A system of 3 equations in 3 unknowns. It is equally determined.

ELIMINATION METHOD

An overdetermined system has more equations than unknowns. These systems can have any type of solution; however, they are more likely to have no solution. This is because the more equations we have, the less leeway the variables have.

2x - 3y = 16 x+ y=1 -x + 4y = 2/3
A system of 3 equations in 2 variables. It is overdetermined.

ELIMINATION METHOD

An underdetermined system has more variables than equations. These systems cannot have a unique solution. If they have a solution, it will be an infinite solution. This is because the fewer equations we have, the more leeway the variables have.

x + 3y - z = 1 7x +z=7
A system of 2 equations in 3 unknowns. It is underdetermined.

ELIMINATION METHOD
Next, we do some more examples.

Ex. 6 A 3 by 3 Unique Solution

- done on overhead Ex. 7 A 3 by 2 Inconsistent Solution - done on overhead Ex. 8 A 2 by 3 Infinite Solution - done on overhead

ELIMINATION METHOD
Tips and Tricks:

Try to multiply or divide equation one so that the coefficient of x matches the coefficient of x in equation two. This way, you can add or subtract the two equations to eliminate the x variable.
If you notice that two equations have the same coefficient of a variable, you can add or subtract right away to eliminate that variable. Learn what type of solution to expect from what type of system and learn how to double-check your answer! TRY TO LEARN THE METHOD SHOWN IN CLASS (ARROWS AND LABELLING). IF YOU DO NOT LEARN THIS METHOD EARLY, YOU WILL BE IN BIG TROUBLE IN A FEW CHAPTERS.

GEOMETRIC INTERPRETATION
When dealing with three or two variables, we can visualize the system as well as the solution set. First, lets look at systems with two unknowns.
Solution Unique Solution Intersection Lines intersect at a single point. Two Equations Three Equations

Infinitely Many Solutions

Lines are parallel and lie on top of one another. Lines are parallel and do not intersect anywhere.

No Solution

GEOMETRIC INTERPRETATION
Systems with three variables can be viewed as planes in 3-D.

Solution Unique Solution

Intersection Planes intersect at a single point.

Two Equations Not possible

Three Equations

Infinitely Many Solutions

Planes intersect at a line or an entire plane. Planes share no common intersection.

No Solution