Laboratory Activity No.

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Applications of System of Linear Equations

1. Objective(s):

 To solve homogenous system of linear equation.

 To setup and solve a system of equations to fit a polynomial function and set a data points as
well as to represent a network.

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
2.1 Demonstrate scientific thinking and the ability to approach scientific resources intelligently.
2.2 Utilize MATLAB software in solving linear algebra problems related to their fields of specialization.
2.3 Infer appropriate conclusions based upon the results of activity.
2.4 Reflect on personal transformation along the TIP graduate attributes, specifically, professional
competence and critical thinking skills.
3. Discussion:

Systems of linear equations are set of equations that you deal with all together at once. This is arising in
wide variety of applications and one of the central themes in linear algebra. The polynomial curve fitting,
networks and Kirchhoff’s laws for electricity are examples of application of systems of linear equations.

Suppose a collection of data is represented by n points in the xy-plane, (x1,y1),(x2,y2),…,(xn,yn) And you
are ask to find a polynomial function of degree n-1 p(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x +…+ an-1xn-1 whose graph passes
through the specified points. This procedure is called polynomial curve fitting.

Networks composed of branches and junctions are used as models in many diverse fields such as
economics, traffic analysis and electrical engineering. In such models it is assumed that the total flow into
the junction is equal to the total flow out of the junction and this is represented by a linear equation. When
analyzing an electric circuit, one simple technique uses the idea of Kirchhoff’s voltage law. Kirchhoff’s
voltage law states that the algebraic sum of the voltages around any closed path in a circuit is identically
zero for all time. Using Ohm’s law, each equation can be written in the form RI = V (similar to Ax = b).
Putting these equations into matrices lets us solve for each current by using the matrix equation RI = V. By
solving the augmented matrix (reducing the matrix to reduced echelon form), values of I1, I2, and I3 can
be found. The matrix equation can be very useful when large circuits with many loops are too be analyzed.

4. Resources:

MATLAB Software
Textbook: Larson, R. & Falvo, D. (2011), Linear Algebra. Singapore: Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd.

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5. Procedure:

Polynomial curve fitting

The net profits (in millions of dollars) for Microsoft from 200 to 2007 are shown in the table. (source:
Microsoft corporation)

Year Net Profit

2000 9421
2001 10003
2002 10384
2003 10526
2004 11330
2005 12715
2006 12599
2007 14410

a. Set up system of equations to fit the data for the years 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 to a cubic
model.
b. Solve the system. Does the solution procedure a reasonable model for predicting future net profits?
Explain.

Procedure:
1. Identify all the given information from the problem.
2. Setup system of equations to fit the data for the specified years to a cubic model,
P(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + a3x3
3. Using MATLAB find the approximate solution of the system.
a. Find all the systems of linear equations involved
b. Write the system in matrix form to find the unknown coefficients.
c. Using MATLAB input the matrix formed, name the matrix as A.
d. Find the reduced row echelon form of the matrix using the command “rref(A)” then press enter.
e. The last column of the reduced row echelon form will be the values of a0, a1, a2 and a3.
4. Write the polynomial function model.
p(x) =__+ __x + __x2 + ___x3
5. To predict the value of net profit in the following year.
Year Profit
1998 17067.25
1999 13306
2008 14397.25
2009 13451
2010 11301.25

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Network Analysis

The flow of traffic (in vehicles per hour) through a network of street is shown in figure 1.

Fig. 1

a. Solve this system for xi, i= 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7

b.

1. Find the linear equation in each junction.

Junction 1:_________________________________
x1+x3 = 600
x2+x4 - x1= 0
Junction 2:_________________________________
x2+x5 = 500
Junction 3:_________________________________
x3+x6 = 600
Junction 4:_________________________________
x4+x7 - x6 = 0
Junction 5:_________________________________
x5+x7 = 500
Junction 6:_________________________________

2. Using MATLAB solve for the traffic flows x1, x2, x3, x4, x5, x6,and x7
a. Write the linear equations involve in each junctions.
b. Write the linear system of equation in augmented matrix form.
c. To solve for the values of x flows use the Gauss-Jordan elimination to obtain the reduced
row echelon form.
d. Input the augmented matrix form in MATLAB and name as “A”.
e. Find the reduce row echelon form of the augmented matrix using the command “rref(A)”
then press enter. The last column will indicate the values of respectively.

X Flow (vehicles per hour) Let x6 = a

x1 a x7 = b
x2 b
x3 600 - a
x4 a-b
x5 500 -b
x6 a
x7 b

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 3. Find the traffic flow when x6 = x7 = 0.
a. Write the new augmented matrix form using x6 = x7 = 0.
b. Use the same procedure to solve for the flows on x1, x2, x3, x4, and x5
X Flow (vehicles per hour)
x1 0
x2 0
x3 600
x4 0
x5 500
x6 0
x7 0

4. Find the traffic flow when x5 = 1000 and x6 = 0.

a. Write the new augmented matrix form.
c. Use the same procedure to solve for the flows on x1, x2, x3, x4, and x7.

X Flow (vehicles per hour)

x1 0
x2 -500
x3 600
x4 500
x5 1000
x6 0
x7 -500

Name: Casidlac, John Darren E. Experiment No.: 2

Course: MATH 013 Section: ES21FA1
Date Performed: January 8 ,2018 Date Submitted:
Instructor: Engr. Hiwatig

6. Data and Results:

#1

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 P(x) = 22595-6501(x)+4073/4(x2) - 45(x3)

#2-4

7. Conclusion:
In this experiment, getting the roots is much easier using Matlab. Matlab does not just make
equations easier to solve, it also makes things possible like solving 1000 equation not
consuming too much time.

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8. Assessment (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):

BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT

CRITERIA SCORE
1 2 3
I. Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed skills. demonstrate needed skills. demonstrate needed skills.
Members are able to set-up Members are able to set-up
Experimental Members are unable to set-
the materials with the material with minimum
Set-up up the materials.
supervision. supervision.
Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Process Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.
Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the time. precautions at all times.
II. Work Habits
Time
Members finish ahead of
Management / Members do not finish on Members finish on time with
time with complete data and
Conduct of time with incomplete data. incomplete data.
time to revise data.
Experiment
Members do not know their Members have defined Members are on tasks and
tasks and have no defined responsibilities most of the have defined responsibilities
Cooperative and
responsibilities. Group time. Group conflicts are at all times. Group conflicts
Teamwork
conflicts have to be settled cooperatively managed most are cooperatively managed
by the teacher. of the time. at all times.
Clean and orderly workplace Clean and orderly workplace
Neatness and Messy workplace during and
with occasional mess during at all times during and after
Orderliness after the experiment.
and after the experiment. the experiment.
Ability to do
Members require Members require occasional Members do not need to be
independent
supervision by the teacher. supervision by the teacher. supervised by the teacher.
work
Other Comments / Observations:
TOTAL SCORE

Rating =
(Total Score / 24) x 50 + 50%

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