Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gaussian Elimination
Gaussian elimination is a method for solving systems of linear equations. It involves transforming the system's augmented matrix into row echelon form using a series of row operations, which include swapping rows, multiplying a row by a non-zero scalar, and adding or subtracting rows. This process simplifies the equations, making it easier to find the values of the variables or determine if no solution exists.
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Row Echelon Form
Row echelon form is a specific arrangement of a matrix where all non-zero rows are above any rows of all zeros, and the leading coefficient of each non-zero row (the first non-zero number from the left) is to the right of the leading coefficient of the previous row. This structure is crucial for back substitution, allowing for the systematic solving of the variables in a linear system.
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Consistency of a System
A system of equations is considered consistent if it has at least one solution, while it is inconsistent if no solutions exist. During the Gaussian elimination process, identifying the presence of a row that translates to an impossible equation (like 0 = 1) indicates inconsistency. Understanding this concept is essential for determining the nature of the solutions to the given system.
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