Getting Started: Systems of Linear Equations

Getting Started is a fast-paced introduction. Read the chapter for details.

Find the solution of X + 2Y + 3Z = 3 and 2X + 3Y + 4Z = 3. On the TI-84 Plus, you can solve a
system of linear equations by entering the coefficients as elements in a matrix, and then using
rref( to obtain the reduced row-echelon form.

1. Press y . Press ~ ~ to display the MATRX EDIT menu. Press 1 to select 1: [A].

2. Press 2 4 to define a 24 matrix. The rectangular cursor indicates the current element.
Ellipses (...) indicate additional columns beyond the screen.

3. Press 1 to enter the first element. The rectangular cursor moves to the second column of the
first row.

4. Press233tocompletethefirstrowfor X + 2Y + 3Z = 3.

5. Press2343toenterthesecond row for 2X + 3Y + 4Z = 3.

6. Press y 5 to return to the home screen. If necessary, press to clear the home screen. Press y
~ to display the MATRX MATH menu. Press } to wrap to the end of the menu. Select
B:rref( to copy rref( to the home screen.

7. Press y 1 to select 1: [A] from the MATRX NAMES menu. Press . The reduced row-
echelon form of the matrix is displayed and stored in Ans. 1X N 1Z = L3 therefore X =
L3 + Z 1Y + 2Z = 3 therefore Y = 3 N 2Z

Chapter 10: Matrices 147

Defining a Matrix
What Is a Matrix?

A matrix is a two-dimensional array. You can display, define, or edit a matrix in the matrix
editor. You can also define a matrix using the MTRX shortcut menu (t `).The TI-84 Plus C has
10 matrix variables, [A] through [J]. You can define a matrix directly in an expression. A matrix,
depending on available memory, may have up to 99 rows or columns. You can store only real
numbers in TI-84 Plus matrices. Fractions are stored as real numbers and can be used in
matrices.

Selecting a Matrix

Before you can define or display a matrix in the editor, you first must select the matrix name. To
do so, follow these steps.

1. Press y | to display the MATRX EDIT menu. The dimensions of any previously defined
matrices are displayed.

2. Select the matrix you want to define. The MATRX EDIT screen is displayed.

Accepting or Changing Matrix Dimensions

The dimensions of the matrix (row column) are displayed on the top line. The dimensions of a
new matrix are 1 1. You must accept or change the dimensions each time you edit a matrix.
When you select a matrix to define, the cursor highlights the row dimension.

To accept the row dimension, press .

To change the row dimension, enter the number of rows (up to 99), and then press . The
cursor moves to the column dimension, which you must accept or change the same way
you accepted or changed the row dimension. When you press , the rectangular cursor
moves to the first matrix element. Viewing and Editing Matrix Elements
Displaying Matrix Elements After you have set the dimensions of the matrix, you
can view the matrix and enter values for the matrix elements. In a new matrix, all values
are zero.
Chapter 10: Matrices 148

Select the matrix from the MATRX EDIT menu and enter or accept the dimensions. The center
portion of the matrix editor displays up to ten rows and five columns of a matrix, showing the
values of the elements in abbreviated form if necessary. The full value of the current element,
which is indicated by the rectangular cursor, is displayed on the bottom line.

In MathPrintTM mode:

An arrow at the left or right indicates additional columns.

An arrow at the top or bottom indicates additional rows. In Classic mode:

Ellipses in the left or right column indicate additional columns.

# or $ in the right column indicate additional rows. In either mode, press ~, |, , and }
to scroll the matrix. You can scroll the matrix after you press to calculate the
matrix. MathPrintTM Classic Note:

Matrix calculations are not saved when you change from MathPrintTM mode to Classic mode
or vice- versa.

If you cannot scroll the matrix, press } to repeat the calculation. Deleting a MatrixTo
delete matrices from memory, use the MEMORY MANAGEMENT/DELETE
secondary menu (Chapter 18). Viewing a Matrix The matrix editor has two
contexts, viewing and editing. In viewing context, you can use the cursor keys to move
quickly from one matrix element to the next. The full value of the highlighted element is
displayed on the edit line.

Chapter 10: Matrices 149