On rank, underdetermined systems and consistency

Glaister, P. (1994) On rank, underdetermined systems and consistency. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 25 (1). pp. 95-101. ISSN 1464-5211 doi: 10.1080/0020739940250112

Abstract/Summary

The concepts of rank, underdetermined systems and consistency in linear algebra are discussed in the context of a puzzle. The article begins with a specific example, moving on to a generalization of the example and then to the general n x n case. As well as providing a solution of the puzzle, the article aims to provide students with a greater understanding of these abstract ideas in linear algebra through the study of the puzzle.