Gauss-Jordan Method

Definitions
The Gauss-Jordan Elimination Method is a technique for solving systems of linear
equations of any size.
An equivalent stage is each stage of a sequence of operations on a system of linear
equations.
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers.
A coefficient matrix is the matrix of only the coefficients of an equation.
An augmented matrix is the coefficient matrix augmented by the right-hand side.
An elementary row operation changes the form of a matrix but preserves the solution of
the original system.
An equivalent augmented matrix represents an equivalent system.
An example of how to use the Gauss-Jordan method;
The first linear equation.
2x + 4y = 8 or; 2 4 8
The second linear equation.
3x - 2y = 4 or; 3 2 4
The coefficient matrix consists of the coefficients of the first two columns.
2x + 4y = 8
3x - 2y = 4
If you drop the x and y variables, you get the augmented matrix of the system.
2 4 8
3 -2 4
Procedure in the equation and matrix forms:
1. Set up the equations like this:
2x + 4y = 8 or; 2 4 8
3x - 2y = 4 or; 3 -2 4

2. Multiply the first equation by 1/2:

x + 2y = 4 or; 1 2 4
3x - 2y = 4 or; 3 -2 4

3.A) Multiply the first equation by -3 and add the two equations:
-3x - 6y = -12 or; -3 -6 -12
3x - 2y = 4 or; 3 -2 4
0x -8y = -8 or; 0 -8 -8
B) You get:
x + 2y = 4 or; 1 2 4
 -8y = -8 or; 0 -8 -8
C) Multiply the second equation by -1/8:
x + 2y = 4 or; 1 2 4
y = 1 or; 0 1 1

4.A) Multiply the second equation by -2 and add the two equations:
x + 2y = 4 or; 1 2 4
-2y = -2 or; 0 -2 -2
x = 2 or; 0 1 2
B) You get:
x = 2 or; 1 0 2
y = 1 or; 0 1 1

5. The following is the solution of the system:

x = 2 or; 1 0 2
y = 1 or; 0 1 1