A system is called linear if for any inputs, x1 & x2, yielding outputs y1 & y2 the response to

a*x1 + b*x2 is equal to a*y1 + b*y2.



i.e

The system below

x1 => system => *a \
                     +  => y(t)
x2 => system => *b /

equals th system below

x1*a => system \
                 +  => y(t)
x2*b => system /

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett