Chapter 1: Problem 14
Determine whether the homogeneous system has nontrivial solutions by inspection (without pencil and paper). $$\begin{aligned}x_{1}+3 x_{2}-x_{3} &=0 \\\x_{2}-8 x_{3} &=0 \\\4 x_{3} &=0\end{aligned}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The system has no nontrivial solutions; all variables must be zero.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Homogeneous System
A homogeneous system of linear equations is of the form \(A\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{0}\), where \(A\) is a matrix and \(\mathbf{x}\) is the vector of variables. The solution \(\mathbf{0}\) is always a solution, but we seek nontrivial solutions, where at least one variable is nonzero.
02
Analyze the Third Equation
Examine the third equation: \(4x_3 = 0\). By inspection, this equation implies \(x_3 = 0\). Since there is no other term in this equation, \(x_3\) must be zero in any solution.
03
Substitute \(x_3 = 0\) into Second Equation
Substitute \(x_3 = 0\) into the second equation: \(x_2 - 8x_3 = 0\). This simplifies to \(x_2 = 0\). Therefore, \(x_2\) must also be zero in any solution.
04
Substitute \(x_2 = 0\) and \(x_3 = 0\) into First Equation
Substitute both \(x_2 = 0\) and \(x_3 = 0\) into the first equation: \(x_1 + 3x_2 - x_3 = 0\). This simplifies to \(x_1 = 0\). Therefore, \(x_1\) must be zero as well.
05
Conclude the Existence of Solutions
Since \(x_1 = 0\), \(x_2 = 0\), and \(x_3 = 0\), the only solution to the system is the trivial solution \((0, 0, 0)\). Therefore, the system does not have nontrivial solutions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Matrix Equation
A matrix equation is a way of representing a system of linear equations in a compact form. Instead of writing each equation separately, you use a matrix to organize the coefficients and a vector to represent the variables. For example, a system like the one in the original exercise can be rewritten as:
- The coefficients of the variables form a matrix \(A\).
- The variables \(x_1, x_2, x_3\) are elements of a column vector \(\mathbf{x}\).
- The equation is expressed as \(A\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{0}\).
Trivial Solution
In the context of homogeneous systems, the trivial solution is a term that refers to one specific solution where all variables are zero. It is always a solution to any homogeneous equation because substituting zeros into any equation yields zero, which satisfies the equation:
- For the system \(A\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{0}\), the trivial solution is \(\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{0}\).
- It is called 'trivial' because it doesn't provide any new information—it merely states the obvious.
Nontrivial Solution
A nontrivial solution in a homogeneous system is a solution where at least one variable is not zero. Finding a nontrivial solution means identifying a set of values that still satisfy the matrix equation without resulting in all zero variables:
- Nontrivial solutions exist only when the determinant of the coefficient matrix \(A\) is zero.
- It implies that the system has an infinite number of solutions due to dependence among the equations.
Linear Equations Analysis
Analyzing a system of linear equations involves several steps to determine possible solutions. The analysis includes:
- Recognizing the form of the system (e.g., homogeneous).
- Inspecting individual equations to understand how they constrain variables. For example, visually checking simpler equations (like those ending in zero) helps quickly identify constraints.
- Substituting known values from one equation to others progressively reduces unknowns.
- Determining if the final system suggests only a trivial solution or if there's room for nontrivial ones.