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What are matrices?

CraigsMaths
Mathematics Teaching for Learning
Engineering Maths B, Matrices
August 8th, 2008 by Craig Rose
Permalink: http://www.craigsmaths.com/ea003-engineering-mathematics-b/what-are-matrices/

Engineering Maths B, Matrices
August 8th, 2008 by Craig Rose
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Matrices are simply arrays of values. We use them as a tool to ease operations such as solving simultaneous equations, working with vectors and transformations.

A matrix is defined using the following notation:

\mathit{A}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> a & b & c\\<br /> d & e & f\\<br /> g & h & i<br /> \end{bmatrix}

For example:

\mathit{A}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 3 & -2 & 0\\<br /> -1 & 8 & 12\\<br /> 6 & 0 & 2<br /> \end{bmatrix}

Note that we use the square braces and a capital letter to denote the matrix.

The matrix can have any number of elements in it provided they are arranged in complete rows and columns. The following are all valid matrices:

\mathit{A}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 3<br /> \end{bmatrix},<br /> \mathit{B}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 3 & -2 & 0\\<br /> \end{bmatrix},\mathit{C}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 3 \\<br /> -1\\<br /> 6<br /> \end{bmatrix},\mathit{D}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 3 & 5\\<br /> -1 & 0\\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

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Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Category: Engineering Maths B, Matrices.
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