A system of 6 linear equations in 6 unknowns has a coefficient matrix of rank 4. How many free parameters does its general solution have (if consistent)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 2
- Step 1: Free parameters = number of unknowns − rank = 6 − 4. Step 2. = 2. Answer: 2. Why not the others: 4 is what you get if you give the rank. 0 is what you get if you assume a unique solution. 6 is what you get if you give the number of unknowns.
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