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 system, making it easier to find solutions 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 identifying the rank of the matrix and determining the number of solutions to the system of equations.
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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. The consistency can be determined through the final form of the augmented matrix after applying Gaussian elimination. If a row leads to a contradiction, such as 0 = c (where c is a non-zero constant), the system is inconsistent; otherwise, it may have a unique or infinitely many solutions.
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