Higher Concepts of Mathematics
MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS
Expanding the bottom matrix for x using the elements in the first column gives:
2
2
2
1
2
( 1)
3
1
1
2
3
3
1
2
2
2 (4
2)
( 1) ( 6
1)
3
(6
2)
4
5
12
21
This gives:
x
42
21
2
y and z can be expanded using the same method.
y = 1
z = -3
Summary
The use of matrices and determinants is summarized below.
Matrices and Determinant Summary
The dimensions of a matrix are given as m x n, where m = number of rows and
n = number of columns.
The use of determinants and matrices to solve linear equations is done by:
placing the coefficients and constants into a determinant format.
substituting the constants in place of the coefficients of the variable to be
solved for.
dividing the new-formed substituted determinant by the original
determinant of coefficients.
expanding the determinant.
Rev. 0
Page 29
MA-05
