Linear Algebra and Its Applications (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032198238X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32198-238-4

Chapter 2 - Matrix Algebra - 2.3 Exercises - Page 118: 32

Answer

The reduced row echelon form of A is I, to which we apply theorem 4 from section 1.4, and conclude that $A\mathrm{x} =\mathrm{b}$ has a solution for each $\mathrm{b}.$

Work Step by Step

If $A\mathrm{x}=0$ has only the trivial solution, and A is n$\times$n, a square matrix, the reduced row echelon form of A is I (otherwise there would be free variables and solutions other than the trivial one.) This means that $A$ must have a pivot in each of its rows. Applying Th.4 from section 1-4, since we have $\mathrm{d}.\quad A$ has a pivot in each row, then, $\mathrm{a}.\quad A\mathrm{x} =\mathrm{b}$ has a solution for each $\mathrm{b}.$
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