12: More Matrix Algebra

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augmented matrix

There's a Gaussian technique whose intent
Is to solve the constraints you present
As a matrix equation—
Once you've had the occasion
To write down your constants (augment)

Steve Ngai, The Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form

In Chapter 5 we studied matrix operations and the algebra of sets and logic. We also made note of the strong resemblance of matrix algebra to elementary algebra. The reader should briefly review this material. In this chapter we shall look at a powerful matrix tool in the applied sciences, namely a technique for solving systems of linear equations. We will then use this process for determining the inverse of \(n\times n\) matrices, \(n\geq 2\), when they exist. We proceed with a development of the diagonalization process, with a discussion of several of its applications. Finally, we discuss the solution of linear equations over the integers modulo \(2\).