Chapter 8: Problem 2
Solve the given system of equations by Cramer's rule. $$ \begin{array}{r} x_{1}+x_{2}=4 \\ 2 x_{1}-x_{2}=2 \end{array} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \( x_1 = 2 \) and \( x_2 = 2 \).
Step by step solution
01
Write the system of equations in matrix form
The system of equations can be represented in the matrix form as: \[ A \cdot \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{b} \]where \[ A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 1 \ 2 & -1 \end{bmatrix}, \quad \mathbf{x} = \begin{bmatrix} x_1 \ x_2 \end{bmatrix}, \quad \mathbf{b} = \begin{bmatrix} 4 \ 2 \end{bmatrix} \]
02
Calculate the determinant of matrix A
Compute the determinant of matrix \( A \): \[\text{det}(A) = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 1 \ 2 & -1 \end{vmatrix} = (1)(-1) - (1)(2) = -1 - 2 = -3\]
03
Form matrix A1 by replacing the 1st column of A with b
Replace the first column of matrix \( A \) with the vector \( \mathbf{b} \): \[ A_1 = \begin{bmatrix} 4 & 1 \ 2 & -1 \end{bmatrix} \]
04
Calculate the determinant of matrix A1
Compute the determinant of matrix \( A_1 \): \[\text{det}(A_1) = \begin{vmatrix} 4 & 1 \ 2 & -1 \end{vmatrix} = (4)(-1) - (1)(2) = -4 - 2 = -6\]
05
Form matrix A2 by replacing the 2nd column of A with b
Replace the second column of matrix \( A \) with the vector \( \mathbf{b} \): \[ A_2 = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 4 \ 2 & 2 \end{bmatrix} \]
06
Calculate the determinant of matrix A2
Compute the determinant of matrix \( A_2 \): \[\text{det}(A_2) = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 4 \ 2 & 2 \end{vmatrix} = (1)(2) - (4)(2) = 2 - 8 = -6\]
07
Solve for x1 using Cramer's Rule
According to Cramer's Rule, the value of \( x_1 \) is given by: \[ x_1 = \frac{\text{det}(A_1)}{\text{det}(A)} = \frac{-6}{-3} = 2 \]
08
Solve for x2 using Cramer's Rule
According to Cramer's Rule, the value of \( x_2 \) is given by: \[ x_2 = \frac{\text{det}(A_2)}{\text{det}(A)} = \frac{-6}{-3} = 2 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
System of Equations
A system of equations comprises multiple equations that share the same variables. In the context of linear algebra, these equations are linear, meaning each equation is a straight line when plotted on a graph. For example, the given system of equations is:\[ \begin{array}{r} x_{1}+x_{2}=4 \ 2x_{1}-x_{2}=2 \end{array} \] The goal is to find a solution, which is a set of values for \( x_1 \) and \( x_2 \) that satisfy both equations simultaneously. Understanding how these equations relate in a matrix form can simplify solving them.Matrix representation plays a crucial role here. This representation translates the problem into a more manageable mathematical structure, where properties and operations, like Cramer's Rule, can be efficiently applied.
Matrix Determinant
The matrix determinant is a special number calculated from a square matrix. For a 2x2 matrix like \( A = \begin{bmatrix} a & b \ c & d \end{bmatrix} \), the determinant is found using the formula:\[ \text{det}(A) = ad - bc \]In the problem, the determinant of matrix \( A \) helps determine whether there is a unique solution to the system. If the determinant is non-zero, the system has a unique solution. In our case, the determinant \( \text{det}(A) = -3 \) is indeed non-zero.Determinants also play a critical role in Cramer's Rule, where they help calculate solutions for the variables directly. Each determinant of matrices with altered columns helps isolate one variable, offering a pathway to the solution.
Linear Algebra
Linear algebra is a field of mathematics focusing on vector spaces, matrices, and linear mappings. It is a fundamental tool for understanding systems of equations.
- Vectors and matrices are key components. They allow equations to be represented in a compact form where linear transformations and solutions can be efficiently derived.
- Cramer's Rule, as applied in the exercise, leverages linear algebra to solve systems of equations using matrices.