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