1 2 2 2 0 1 -1 2 -5R2+R3 0 5 4 1 -5R2+R3 -5R2 means to do this work to the side 1. Multiply row #2 by -5 : -5(0 1 -1 2) = (0 -5 5 -10) and then +R3 means 2. Add that to row #3 : (0 -5 5 -10) + (0 5 4 1) = (0 0 9 -9) 3. Replace row #3 by (0 0 9 -9) 1 2 2 2 0 1 -1 2 0 0 9 -9 That's the new matrix. Edwin