Math Problem Statement

Each graph below is the graph of a system of three linear equations in three unknowns of the form Ax=b. Determine the rank of matrix A.

Solution

To determine the rank of the matrix AA based on the graphs, we need to interpret how the lines or planes intersect in the 3D system of equations.

In the context of linear algebra, the rank of matrix AA refers to the maximum number of linearly independent rows or columns in AA, which corresponds to the number of linearly independent equations in the system. The graphs of such systems can typically show the following configurations:

  1. Three planes intersecting at a point: This indicates that all three equations are linearly independent, and the matrix AA has full rank, which is 3. In this case, the system has a unique solution.

  2. Three planes intersecting along a line: This suggests that two of the planes are linearly independent, and the third plane is dependent on the others. Hence, the matrix AA has rank 2. The system has infinitely many solutions (a line of solutions).

  3. Three planes intersecting at a plane (or all three coincide): This indicates that only one of the planes is independent, and the other two are dependent. In this case, the matrix AA has rank 1, and the system has infinitely many solutions (a plane of solutions).

  4. Three parallel planes or no intersection at all: This means the system is inconsistent, and the planes do not intersect at any common point or line. The rank is less than 3 (likely 2 or 1 depending on the specifics).

By analyzing the type of intersection shown in the graph, you can determine the rank of matrix AA.

If you can upload the graphs, I can analyze them specifically to give you the rank of each matrix AA.

Would you like further clarification on any of these scenarios?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How is the rank of a matrix related to the number of solutions of a system of linear equations?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of a matrix having rank 2 in a 3D system?
  3. Can a system of equations have no solutions even if its rank is 2?
  4. How does the determinant of a matrix relate to its rank in a system of equations?
  5. What is the role of row reduction in determining the rank of a matrix?

Tip: The rank of a matrix can never exceed the smaller of the number of rows or columns.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
System of Linear Equations
Matrix Rank

Formulas

Rank of a matrix = maximum number of linearly independent rows/columns

Theorems

Rank-Nullity Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Linear Algebra)