What is the correct way to convert a matrix to reduced row echelon form?

In summary, reduced row echelon form requires that each column with a leading one have nothing else but zeros in it. The given matrix is in row echelon form but not in reduced row echelon form. After correcting the signs in the last row, the matrix is in reduced row echelon form.
  • #1
iasc
17
0
What exactly is a reduced row echelon matrix.

I had to convert this to one:
1 2 1 1 1 1
-3 -6 -2 0 -1 -3
2 4 2 1 3 -3

And got:
1 2 1 1 1 1
0 0 1 3 2 0
0 0 0 1 -1 5

Is this right and, if not, why?

Thanks for the help.
 
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  • #2
Assuming your arithmetic is correct, that is row echelon form. Reduced row echelon form requires that each column with a leading one have nothing else but zeros in it.
 
  • #3
You have the signs on the last row wrong. You are subtracting 2 times the first row from the third and should have 1- 2(1)= -1, 3- 2(1)= 1, and -3-2(1)= -5.
 
  • #4
Thanks for the help.

I got
1 2 0 0 3 -11
0 0 1 0 5 -15
0 0 0 1 -1 5

I think this is right.

I did it the other way round HallsofIvy.
 

Related to What is the correct way to convert a matrix to reduced row echelon form?

1. What is a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix?

A Reduced Row Echelon Matrix is a mathematical representation of a system of linear equations that has been simplified to its most basic form. It is used to solve systems of equations and find the solution to a set of variables.

2. How is a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix different from a regular matrix?

A Reduced Row Echelon Matrix has certain rules and characteristics that make it different from a regular matrix. These include having all leading coefficients equal to 1, having zeros above and below each leading coefficient, and having leading coefficients move from left to right as you move down the rows.

3. What is the importance of a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix?

A Reduced Row Echelon Matrix is important because it provides an efficient and systematic way to solve systems of equations. It allows for easier manipulation and calculation, making it a useful tool in many fields of science and engineering.

4. How is a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix used in real-world applications?

A Reduced Row Echelon Matrix is used in many real-world applications, such as in computer graphics for rendering 3D images, in economics to solve production and demand equations, and in physics to solve systems of equations related to motion and forces.

5. Are there any limitations to using a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix?

While a Reduced Row Echelon Matrix is a powerful tool for solving systems of equations, it does have some limitations. It can only be used for linear equations, and it can become difficult to interpret when dealing with large matrices or complex systems of equations.

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