MATH211 LAB Problem Set 1: Systems of Linear Equations
Problem 1. You have a system of k equations in two variables, k ≥ 2. Explain the
geometric significance (what does it look like) of
(a) No solution.
(b) A unique solution.
(c) An infinite number of solutions.
1
2
Problem 2. Here is an augmented matrix in which ∗ is an arbitrary number and
denotes a nonzero number (note that every ∗ or can be a different value from
the other ∗ or ). Determine whether the corresponding system is consistent. If
consistent, is the system unique?
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
0
∗ ∗ 0 ∗
0 0 ∗ ∗ ∗
0 0 0 0 ∗
3
Problem 3. Here is an augmented matrix in which ∗ is an arbitrary number and
denotes a nonzero number (note that every ∗ or can be a different value from
the other ∗ or ). Determine whether the corresponding system is consistent. If
consistent, is the system unique?
∗ ∗ ∗
0 ∗ ∗
0 0 ∗
4
Problem 4. Here is an augmented matrix in which ∗ is an arbitrary number and
denotes a nonzero number (note that every ∗ or can be a different value from
the other ∗ or ). Determine whether the corresponding system is consistent. If
consistent, is the system unique?
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
0
0 ∗ 0 ∗
0 0 0 ∗ ∗
0 0 0 0 ∗
5
Problem 5. Here is an augmented matrix in which ∗ is an arbitrary number and
denotes a nonzero number (note that every ∗ or can be a different value from
the other ∗ or ). Determine whether the corresponding system is consistent. If
consistent, is the system unique?
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
0
∗ ∗ 0 ∗
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 ∗
6
Problem 6. Choose h and k such that the augmented matrix shown has one solution.
Then choose h and k such that the system has no solutions. Finally, choose h and k
such that the system has infinitely many solutions.
1 h 2
2 4 k
7
Problem 7. Fine the general solution of the system whose augmented matrix is
1 1 0 1
1 0 4 2
8
Problem 8. Give the complete solution to the system of equations, 3x-y+4z=6,
y+8z=0, and -2x+y=-4.