[Math] how to interpret the solution of a linear system

linear algebra

i have the following reduced echelon form matrix

[(1,0,1,)(0,1,0)(0,0,0)] and the solutions are (2,1,0)

EDIT This should be the system of linear equations
$$
\left\{
\begin{matrix}
x&+&&&z&=&2\\
&&y&&&=&1\\
\end{matrix}
\right.
$$

now I am asked which one of the following options describes the solution of the system:

a) single point at (2,1,0) b) there are no solutions c) a line through (0,0,0) and (2,1,0) d) a line through (2,1,0) and (0,1,2)

I know that it has infinite many solutions, as as the number of unknowns#equations and it doesnt have any inconsistency , so a and b are not the right answer.

ill give z the value of t, so I have (x,y,z)=(2-t, 1, t)…. and from now on, in case I have done everything well I thought that I could get the general equation of that line , and plug the values inside and see if it works…but not sure..the two equations of the line I got are: x+z-2=0 and y-1=0 and then I plug them in and I got d as a result, as it fulfills the equation….is that right???

then they ask me that suppose that z=t for all real numbers is taken as a free variable in that linear system, what statement is true?

a) x doesnt depend on t b) z does not depend on t, c)y doesnt depend on t d0 all depend on t. I think is c.

please correct me if I am wrong, and pretty newbie with that and I have an exam coming up on tuesday….:S

Best Answer

I have taken the liberty of editing your post, writing the system of linear equations explicitly. Please check to see whether I did it right, according to your intentions.

I believe you are right on both counts, the set $(x,y,z)=(2-t, 1, t) = (2,1,0) + t (-1,0,1)$ describes indeed a line through $(2,1,0)$ and $(0,1,2)$. (The first point is obtained for $t = 0$, the second for $t = 2$). And $y = 1$ shows that $y$ does not depend on $t$.

For the first part, it is useful to remember that the set of solutions of a system of linear homogeneous equations will be a subspace of the appropriate vector space. Whereas if the system is non-homogeneous (as in your case) it will be an affine subspace, that is, a translate of a subspace. In your case it is a line. Since $(2,1,0)$ and $(0,1,2)$ are distinct solutions, it will be indeed the line through them.