The most practical applications of mathematics are

those that apply to the most people.

Whether it is data through traffic, arranging an
efficient flow is a crucial element of design.
Many of the problems that arise with networks
and traffic involve optimizing the flow through the
system.
However, by looking at systems of linear equations,
we can simplify flow problems by studying these
systems using matrices and determine which
variables have forced values and which are free to
be chosen.

come up with equations
one equations for each node
incoming traffic or flow needs to equal the outgoing
traffic or flow
Step
1
rearrange these equations in order
get the constant on one side and all of the variables
on the other side
Step
2
create a matrix
each column of the matrix corresponds to one variable
final column will contain the constants from each
equation
Step
3

row-reduce ,(REF) the matrix
accomplished by using the 3 elementary
row operations
Step
4
convert back into linear equation
reverse process of step 3
Step
5
Example 1
40 30

50 B A

C E
70 D 25

Step 1 - come up with equations

B + E = 30 + A

C + 40 = B + 50

70 = C + D

D = E + 25

Step 2 - rearrange these equations in order
-A + B + E = 30
-B + C = 10
C + D = 70
D E = 25
Step 3 - create a matrix
-1 1 0 0 1 30
0 -1 1 0 0 10
0 0 1 1 0 70
0 0 0 1 -1 25
Step 4 - row-reduce ,(REF) the matrix

1 0 0 0 0 5
0 1 0 0 1 35
0 0 1 0 1 45
0 0 0 1 -1 25
Step 5 - convert back into linear equation
A = 5
B + E = 35
C + E = 45
D E = 25

From these equations (step 5), we can see that A
must be 5 cars per hour.
But for they have some choice for the other
streets.
If E = 20 ;
B = 15
C = 25
D = 5
If E = 0 ;
B = 35
C = 45
D = 25

When looking at the application , data through
network traffic, the system can be set up similarly.

The reason that linear algebra is so key of solving
these types of problems - that it allows for solving
many linear equations simultaneously.

Matrices use the symmetry of the equations to
solve for the variable.