Linear Algebra Routines in MATLAB

Essentially two operations are available in MATLAB for solving linear algebraic equations 

A more efficient method is the use of the or / operation which solves the set of equations using LU factorization and Gaussian elimination (Table B.18). 

The operation is the left division and / is right division. In this case, left division is used since the matrix A is to the left of vector b. You can learn about these operations in MATLAB by entering help slash. The right division B/A computes (A /B ) again using LU factorization and Guassian eliminination. 

The LU factorization of the A matrix is available using the lu function in MATLAB (Table B.18). 

It is desired to develop the steady-state tray compositions for a six-plate absorption column. It can be assumed that a linear equilibrium relation holds between liquid xm) and vapor (j/m) on each plate  

---