Each traveling wave is multiplied by the boundary it reaches. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.

highlighted = computed this step

The load boundary multiplies by its coefficient

The first incoming wave is 8 volts and the load coefficient is 1 over 2, so the outgoing wave is 4 volts.

812=48\cdot {1\over 2}=4
Load reflection rowThe load row uses the checked load coefficient.linew0w1w2w3load Gamma 1/2source Gamma -1/2load total 9 V

The source boundary multiplies the returning wave

The returning 4 volt wave sees source coefficient -1 over 2, giving -2 volts forward.

412=24\cdot {-1\over 2}=-2
Source reflection rowThe next forward wave is checked by the source coefficient.linew0w1w2w3load Gamma 1/2source Gamma -1/2load total 9 V