Introduction
When we wish to solve large systems of simultaneous linear equations, which arise for example in the problem of finding the forces on members of a large framed structure, we can isolate the coefficients of the variables as a block of numbers called a matrix. There are many other applications matrices. In this Section we develop the terminology and basic properties of a matrix.
Prerequisites
- be familiar with the rules of number algebra
Learning Outcomes
- express a system of linear equations in matrix form
- recognise and use the basic terminology associated with matrices
- carry out addition and subtraction with two given matrices or state that the operation is not possible
Contents
1 Applications of matrices1.1 Representing simultaneous linear equations
1.2 Representing networks
2 Definitions
2.1 Square matrices
2.2 Some examples of matrices and their classification
2.3 Equality of matrices
2.4 The unit matrix
2.5 The zero matrix
2.6 The transpose of a matrix
3 Addition and subtraction of matrices
4 Multiplication of a matrix by a number
5 Some simple matrix properties