MATH

HEMATICS
S TUTOR
RIAL

INTER
RNATIONAL UNDE
ERGRADU
UATE PRO
OGRAMM
ME

By Gillang (gum
milangaryo
o@gmail.com)

SUPP
PLEMEN
NT #2

MAT
TRIX INVE
ERSIO
ON WIT
TH ER
RO

“When somebody
s challenge you, fight back. Be brutal,
b be ttough!”

mp –
– D. Trum

MATR
RIX INVER
RSION

Matrix
x inversion
n conceptt is usefull to solve several prroblems s
such as so
olving
system
ms of n-un
nknowns or input-u
utput ana
alysis. Ste
eps that y
you have to
t
remem
mber in matrix
m inve
ersion.

1. Calculate
e the deterrminant
2. Calculate
e the mino
ors
3. Find the cofactors
4. TRANSPO
OSE the cofactor
c m
matrix
5. Inversed Matrix is
 1
| |.
| |

Example:

1 1
2 1

We can use the classic steps to find the inverse of Matrix A above. First of
all, we shall calculate the determinant.

| | 1 1 1 2

Next, we calculate the minors.

1 2
1 1

Then, we find the cofactors. (Remember that C=(-1)i+jMij)

1 2
1 1

After that, we transpose the cofactor matrix.

| | 1 1
2 1

The inverse of matrix A is

1
| |.
| |
1 1 1
3 2 1
1/3 1/3
2/3 1/3
MATRIX INVERSION WITH ERO

Now, recall Elementary Rows Operation (ERO) in supplement #1. We can

use ERO to solve matrix inversion. The two steps are given below.

1. Form a two-side matrix where the left hand side is the matrix that will
be inversed and the right hand side is identity matrix.
2. Use steps in ERO to transform the left hand side matrix into an
identity matrix. The right hand side matrix will be the inverse of the
matrix.

Example:

1 1
2 1

First, we form the matrix as suggested in step 1.

1 1 1 0
||
2 1 0 1

Next, we can apply steps in ERO to find the matrix inversion as suggested in
step 2.

R1+R2

3 0 1 1
||
2 1 0 1

1/3 (R1)

1 0 1/3 1/3
||
2 1 0 1

R2-2R1

1 0 1/3 1/3
||
0 1 2/3 1/3

-1(R2)

1 0 1/3 1/3
||
0 1 2/3 1/3
We can see that the left hand side of the matrix form an identity matrix,
hence, the right hand side is the inverse of the matrix.

1 0 1/3 1/3
||
0 1 2/3 1/3

The inverse of matrix A is

1/3 1/3
2/3 1/3

Now imagine inversing a 4x4 matrix ! Using ERO is simpler right? (I strongly
recommend using matrix inversion for 2x2 & 3x3 matrices)

TIPS

In the second part of the discussion in matrix we learned how to solve

system of n-unknowns e.g. x & y or x, y, & z. This is my personal preference
of the methods used in solving problems of n-unknowns. For me, it’s the
best in the use of our time and mind.

1. To solve system of 2-unknowns, I prefer substitution method or

Cramer’s rule.
2. To solve system of 3-unknowns, I prefer Cramer’s rule.
3. To solve system of 4- or higher-unknowns, I prefer ERO.

The choice is yours!