Math Problem Statement

Which of the following matrices are in row-reduced form? (Note: The dotted vertical line in each matrix should be a single vertical line.)

Solution

To determine which of the matrices are in row-reduced form, we need to evaluate whether they meet the conditions for a matrix to be in reduced row echelon form (RREF). These conditions are:

  1. Leading entries (pivot positions) in each row must be 1.
  2. Each leading 1 must be the only non-zero entry in its column.
  3. Each leading 1 must be to the right of any leading 1s in the rows above it.
  4. All rows consisting entirely of zeros (if any) must be at the bottom.

Let's analyze each matrix:

Matrix I:

1 & 0 & 0 & | & 9 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & | & -8 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & | & 3 \end{bmatrix}$$ - The leading entries in each row are 1. - Each leading 1 is the only non-zero entry in its column. - The leading 1s are in different columns, and each subsequent leading 1 is to the right of the previous row's leading 1. - There are no rows consisting entirely of zeros. **Conclusion**: Matrix I **is** in reduced row echelon form. --- ### Matrix II: $$\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 & | & 9 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & | & 0 \end{bmatrix}$$ - The leading entry in the first row is 1, but the next two entries are non-zero (1s), which violates the condition that the leading 1 must be the only non-zero entry in its column. - The second row has a leading 1 in the third column, which is correct. **Conclusion**: Matrix II **is not** in reduced row echelon form due to the first row violating the second condition. --- ### Matrix III: $$\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 9 & | & -8 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & | & 3 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & | & 0 \end{bmatrix}$$ - The leading entry in the first row is 1, but there is a 9 in the third column of that row, which violates the condition that the leading 1 must be the only non-zero entry in its column. - The second row has a leading 1, which is correct. - The third row is all zeros, which is acceptable. **Conclusion**: Matrix III **is not** in reduced row echelon form due to the 9 in the first row violating the second condition. --- ### Final Answer: - Matrix I **is** in reduced row echelon form. - Matrices II and III **are not** in reduced row echelon form. Would you like more details or further clarifications? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic: 1. What are the specific steps to convert a matrix to reduced row echelon form? 2. How is Gaussian elimination different from Gauss-Jordan elimination? 3. What are the real-world applications of reduced row echelon form in solving systems of equations? 4. Can a matrix have more than one row-reduced form? 5. How does the number of leading 1s in a matrix relate to the rank of the matrix? **Tip**: When solving systems of equations using matrices, reducing a matrix to row-reduced form makes it easier to identify the solutions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
Matrices
Reduced Row Echelon Form

Formulas

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Theorems

Reduced Row Echelon Form Conditions

Suitable Grade Level

College-level or advanced high school