What are the methods of solving a system of linear equations?

1 answer

There are several methods for solving a system of linear equations:

1. Graphing method: Plotting the equations on a coordinate plane and finding the point(s) of intersection.

2. Substitution method: Solving one equation for one variable and substituting it into the other equation to solve for the remaining variable.

3. Elimination method: Adding or subtracting the equations in a way that eliminates one variable, then solving for the remaining variable.

4. Matrix method: Representing the system of equations as a matrix, then using matrix operations to solve for the variables.

5. Cramer's rule: Using determinants to solve for the variables in the system of equations.

6. Gaussian elimination: Using a sequence of elementary row operations to transform the augmented matrix of the system into row-echelon form, and then back-substituting to find the values of the variables.

7. Gauss-Jordan elimination: Similar to Gaussian elimination, but the goal is to convert the augmented matrix into reduced row-echelon form, resulting in a solution with unique values for the variables.

These methods can be used individually or in combination depending on the specific characteristics of the system of equations.