Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Matrices
Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers or variables arranged in rows and columns. They are used to represent and solve systems of linear equations efficiently. Each row of a matrix can correspond to an equation, while each column represents the coefficients of the variables involved. Understanding how to manipulate matrices is essential for applying methods like Gaussian elimination.
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Gaussian Elimination
Gaussian elimination is a systematic method for solving systems of linear equations. It involves transforming the system's augmented matrix into row-echelon form using elementary row operations. Once in this form, back-substitution can be used to find the values of the variables. This method is fundamental for solving larger systems of equations efficiently.
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Back-Substitution
Back-substitution is a technique used after obtaining a row-echelon form of a matrix to find the solution of a system of equations. Starting from the last equation, the values of the variables are substituted back into the previous equations to solve for the remaining variables. This step is crucial for determining the final values of the variables in the system.
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