■ Linear Algebra – Detailed Notes (Chemical
Engineering – First Year)
1. Matrix Multiplication
Definition: If A is an (m × n) matrix and B is an (n × p) matrix, then their product AB is defined as an
(m × p) matrix C whose element in the i-th row and j-th column is: C_ij = Σ (A_ik * B_kj), for k = 1 to
n. Conditions: Number of columns of A must equal number of rows of B. Chemical Engineering
Relevance: Used in solving linear systems for reaction networks, heat transfer problems, and
process simulations. Properties: - Not commutative: AB ≠ BA in general. - Associative: (AB)C =
A(BC). - Distributive: A(B + C) = AB + AC. - Identity: AI = IA = A.
2. Rank of a Matrix
Definition: The rank of a matrix A is the maximum number of linearly independent rows or columns
of A. Methods: 1. Echelon Form: Reduce matrix to echelon form using elementary row operations.
Rank = number of non-zero rows. 2. Normal (Canonical) Form: Every matrix A can be reduced to
the form: A ~ [ I_r 0 ] [ 0 0 ] where r = rank of A. Applications in Chemical Engineering: -
Determining number of independent material balance equations. - Checking consistency of system
of linear equations in process modeling.
3. Determinants
Definition: Determinant is a scalar value defined for square matrices. Key Properties: - |A| = 0 → A
is singular (no inverse exists). - |AB| = |A||B|. - Interchanging two rows or columns changes sign of
determinant. - If a row/column is multiplied by k, determinant is also multiplied by k. Chemical
Engineering Use: - Used in solving simultaneous linear equations in process control and reactor
design. - Checking invertibility of system matrices.
4. Cramer’s Rule
Applicable when: A is a non-singular square matrix. For AX = B, x_i = ∆_i / ∆, where - ∆ = |A| - ∆_i =
determinant obtained by replacing i-th column of A with B. Useful for solving small systems of
equations (2x2, 3x3). Example: In a reactor system with material balances: a11x1 + a12x2 = b1
a21x1 + a22x2 = b2 Solve using Cramer’s rule.
5. Inverse of a Matrix (Gauss–Jordan Method)
Steps: 1. Write augmented matrix [A | I]. 2. Perform row operations to convert A into identity matrix.
3. The right-hand side becomes A■¹. Applications in Chemical Engineering: - Used in simulation
models where large systems of equations must be solved. - Important in reactor modeling and
stability analysis.
6. System of Linear Equations
Types: (a) Homogeneous (AX = 0): - Always has trivial solution (X=0). - Non-trivial solutions exist if
|A| = 0. (b) Non-Homogeneous (AX = B): - If |A| ≠ 0 → unique solution exists. - If |A| = 0 → either
inconsistent (no solution) or infinite solutions. Application: Process flow problems where balance
equations must be solved.
7. Methods of Solution
(i) Gauss Elimination Method: - Transform system into upper triangular form. - Solve using back
substitution. (ii) Gauss–Jordan Method: - Reduce to diagonal form, directly get values of variables.
(iii) Gauss–Seidel Iteration Method: - Iterative approach for solving large systems. - Formula:
x1^(k+1) = (1/a11)[b1 - Σ a1j xj^(k)] x2^(k+1) = (1/a22)[b2 - a21x1^(k+1) - Σ a2j xj^(k)] - Continue
iterations until solution converges. Applications in Chemical Engineering: - Heat exchanger
networks (energy balance equations). - Reactor design equations. - Numerical simulations in
transport phenomena.
