Math Problem Statement

Find the value of 'a' from the matrix equation: [[a + b, 2 - a], [9, 5 - c]] = [[b + a, 2a + 8], [9, -c + 5]].

Solution

The problem involves solving the equation of two matrices being equal. When two matrices are equal, each corresponding element must also be equal.

The given matrix equation is:

= \begin{bmatrix} b + a & 2a + 8 \\ 9 & -c + 5 \end{bmatrix}.$$ ### Step 1: Compare corresponding elements 1. Top-left element: $$a + b = b + a$$ (This is trivially true since the terms are the same). 2. Top-right element: $$2 - a = 2a + 8$$. 3. Bottom-left element: $$9 = 9$$ (This is always true). 4. Bottom-right element: $$5 - c = -c + 5$$. --- ### Step 2: Solve equations #### From top-right element: $$2 - a = 2a + 8.$$ Simplify: $$2 = 2a + 8 + a,$$ $$2 = 3a + 8,$$ $$3a = -6,$$ $$a = -2.$$ #### From bottom-right element: $$5 - c = -c + 5.$$ Simplify: $$5 = -c + c + 5,$$ $$0 = 0 \quad (\text{This equation is always true and gives no additional information about } c).$$ --- ### Final Answer: The value of $$a$$ is $$\mathbf{-2}$$. Would you like a detailed explanation of any step? Here are some related questions for practice: 1. How do you solve for other variables (like $$b$$ or $$c$$) in a matrix equation? 2. What are the properties of matrix equality? 3. Can matrices of different dimensions ever be equal? 4. How can you use matrices in systems of equations? 5. What is the significance of diagonal elements in square matrices? **Tip:** Always compare each element in corresponding positions of matrices carefully when solving matrix

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Matrix Equality
Linear Equations
Algebra

Formulas

Equality of corresponding elements in matrices

Theorems

Properties of Matrix Equality

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12