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5: Systems of Equations and Inequalities

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    In this chapter, we will investigate matrices and their inverses, and various ways to use matrices to solve systems of equations. First, however, we will study systems of equations on their own: linear and nonlinear, and then partial fractions.

    • 5.1: Prelude to Systems of Equations and Inequalities
      In this chapter, we will investigate matrices and their inverses, and various ways to use matrices to solve systems of equations. First, however, we will study systems of equations on their own: linear and nonlinear, and then partial fractions. We will not be breaking any secret codes here, but we will lay the foundation for future courses.
    • 5.2: Systems of Linear Equations - Two Variables
      A system of linear equations consists of two or more equations made up of two or more variables such that all equations in the system are considered simultaneously. The solution to a system of linear equations in two variables is any ordered pair that satisfies each equation independently. Systems of equations are classified as independent with one solution, dependent with an infinite number of solutions, or inconsistent with no solution.
    • 5.3: Matrices and Matrix Operations
      To solve a systems of equations, we can use a matrix, which is a rectangular array of numbers. A row in a matrix is a set of numbers that are aligned horizontally. A column in a matrix is a set of numbers that are aligned vertically. Each number is an entry, sometimes called an element, of the matrix. Matrices (plural) are enclosed in [ ] or ( ), and are usually named with capital letters.
    • 5.4: Solving Systems with Gaussian Elimination
      A matrix can serve as a device for representing and solving a system of equations. To express a system in matrix form, we extract the coefficients of the variables and the constants, and these become the entries of the matrix. We use a vertical line to separate the coefficient entries from the constants, essentially replacing the equal signs. When a system is written in this form, we call it an augmented matrix.
    • 5.5: Solving Systems with Cramer's Rule
      In this section, we will study two more strategies for solving systems of equations. A determinant is a real number that can be very useful in mathematics because it has multiple applications, such as calculating area, volume, and other quantities. Here, we will use determinants to reveal whether a matrix is invertible by using the entries of a square matrix to determine whether there is a solution to the system of equations. Cramer’s Rule to solve a system of equations in two & three variables.
    • 5.6: Solving Systems with Inverses
      A matrix that has a multiplicative inverse is called an invertible matrix. Only a square matrix may have a multiplicative inverse, as reversibility is a requirement. Not all square matrices have an inverse. We will look at two methods for finding the inverse of a  2×2  matrix and a third method that can be used on both  2×2  and 3×3  matrices.

    Thumbnail: Possible types of solutions for the points of Intersection of a circle and an ellipse.

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