Algebra 2, Part 1

Unit 4 – Matrices and Determinants

Use this study guide to help you prepare for the quizzes, unit test, and assignment. The study guide contains guided
notes and practice activities to help focus your learning throughout the unit. The Study Guide is NOT graded; all
exercises are for you to practice and apply what you have learned in each lesson. For specific questions about any of
the content, please use the Ask the Teacher page in the course.

Unit Objectives
In this unit, you will learn how to solve systems of equations using the graphing, addition, and substitution methods,
and how to use matrices, as another way to readily solve systems of equations with two and three variables. You will
learn how to perform matrix operations, including addition, subtraction, and in the case of Cramer’s rule, division of
matrices. You will understand the limitations upon whether or not certain matrix operations can be performed,
based upon the dimensions of the matrices. You will learn how to find the determinants of both two variable and
three variable matrices, and how to use the determinants to find solutions to sets of equations. Cramer’s rule will be
studied in-depth, and you will learn to solve systems using this technique. Lastly you will learn how to find inverses of
matrices and how to use the inverses of matrices to solve systems.

Lesson 4.1 Matrix Operations

Lesson Objective: In this lesson we will learn how to solve systems of equations using the graphing, addition, and
substitution methods, and how to use matrices, as another way to readily solve systems of equations with two and
three variables.

Example Problems:
To Add and subtract matrices they must be the same size. Add and subtract the corresponding location in each
matrix.

Addition:
Subtraction:

Scalar Multiplication: To complete scalar multiplication, multiply each number in the matrix by the scalar number.

Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.
Complete the following Matrix problems, using the following two matrices.

Find A+B Find A-B Find 2B -3A

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Lesson 4.2 Matrix Multiplication
Lesson Objective: To understand the limitations upon whether or not certain matrix operations can be
performed, based upon the dimensions of the matrices.
Important Definitions: Pay attention to these specific terms and write down their definitions and an example of
each one as you are watching the videos and looking at the readings.
Dimensions of a Matrix:

Important Formulas: To be able to multiply matrix A: which has dimension m x n with matrix B which has
dimension n x p, the n value must be the same. The column of the 1st matrix must match the row of the 2nd
matrix.

Example Problems: Notice the dimension 2 x 2 is being multiplied by a 2 x 2. Since the column of the first
matrix is the same size as the row of the 2nd matrix, you can multiply matrices.

Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.

Find A x B Find B x A Find A x B Find B x A

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Lesson 4.3 Determinants
Lesson Objective: In this lesson you will learn how to find the determinants of both two variable and three
variable matrices.

Important Formulas:
2 x 2 Determinant

3 x 3 Determinant

Example Problems:
Find the determinant of…

= (2)(5)-(1)(3)= 10-3 =7

Find the determinant of….

=[30+6+(-1)]-[ 5+(-4)+9]=35-10=25

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Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.
Find the Determinant of……

Lesson 4.4 Cramer’s Rule

Lesson Objective: Cramer’s rule will be studied and you will learn to solve systems using this technique.

Important Formulas: Cramer’s Rule

Example Problems:
Find the solution to the system using Cramer’s Rule
4x-2y =10
3x-5y=11
Find the determinant of the coefficient matrix.

D= =-20-(-6)= -14

Because this determinant is not zero we can continue using Cramer’s Rule

𝐷𝑥 (−50)−(−22) −28
x= 𝐷
=det /D = −14
= −14
=2

𝐷𝑦 44−30 14
y= 𝐷
= det /D = −14
= −14
=− 1

So the solution is x=2 and y = - 1, (2, -1)

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Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.
Solve the following systems using Cramer’s Rule.

1x+2y=3 -1x+3y=3 3x+1y+3z=1 2x+3y-5y=1

1x+1y=4 2x-4y=4 3x+5y+9z=2 -3x-5y-9y=16

5x+9y+17z=4 5x+9y+17z=-30

Lesson 4.5 Inverses of 2x2 Matrices

Lesson Objective: How to find inverses of matrices
Important Definitions: Pay attention to these specific terms and write down their definitions and an example of
each one as you are watching the videos and looking at the readings.

Inverse Matrix:

−1
Important Formulas: 𝐴 · 𝐴 =𝐼

Example Problems:

1 1
Find the inverse of B-1= 𝑎𝑑−𝑏𝑐
· = 6−(−6) ·

1
= 12 · =

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Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.
Find the inverse of the following matrices.

Lesson 4.6 Solving Systems Using Matrices

Lesson Objective: You will learn how to use the inverses of matrices to solve systems.

Important Formulas:

A-1A=I Coefficient Matrix is: Variable Matrix is: Constant Matrix is:

I= A= x= B=
Ax+By = E
Cx+ Dy=F Ax=B
A-1Ax=A-1B
I x = A-1B
x= A-1B

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Example Problems:
Solve:
1x+4y=2
2x+4y=1

We will set up a matrix equation using A for the coefficient matrix, x for the variable matrix, and B for the
constant matrix.

Ax=B

A= x= B=

Find A-1=
A-1Ax=A-1B

x=A-1B= , so x= -1 and y = ¾ or .75

Practice Problems: Now it is your turn. Follow the steps shown in the example problems.
Solve the following systems.

2x+4y=1 -1x+2y=1 -1x+2y =3 1x+2y+3z=4

1x+3y=1 2x+3y=5 -1x+4y=-1 3x+2y+1z=4

-1x+1y+1z=-1