Is it okay to use Gauss-Jordan elimination on a vertically-rectangular matrix (e.g. $3\times2$)?
(Note: I understand about reduced row echelon form for a horizontally rectangular matrix such as a $2\times3$ matrix.)
Thanks
Is it okay to use Gauss-Jordan elimination on a vertically-rectangular matrix (e.g. $3\times2$)?
(Note: I understand about reduced row echelon form for a horizontally rectangular matrix such as a $2\times3$ matrix.)
Thanks
Well yes! It is totally fine to use the method. Even if you have a matrix of the form $3 \times 2$ the logic of the method remains the same - that you must get the matrix to a triangular form so that in the new equivalent system of equations you have eliminated some of the variables.
The best way to see this is to try an example yourself.