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Linear Algebra - Matrices and Vectors

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Linear Algebra - Matrices and Vectors

Uploaded by

Sean Cummings
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Matrices and Vectors: The Building Blocks of Linear Algebra

Linear algebra, a branch of mathematics that deals with vectors, matrices, and systems of linear
equations, provides a powerful framework for solving problems in various fields, from physics
and engineering to computer science and economics. At its core, linear algebra revolves around
the concepts of matrices and vectors, mathematical objects that represent data and
relationships in a concise and efficient manner.
Matrices: Rectangular Arrays of Numbers
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers, arranged in rows and columns. Each number in the
matrix is called an element or entry. Matrices are used to represent data in a structured way,
allowing for efficient manipulation and analysis. They are particularly useful for representing
systems of linear equations, where each row of the matrix corresponds to an equation, and
each column corresponds to a variable.
Matrix Notation
Matrices are typically denoted by uppercase letters, such as A, B, or C. The elements of a
matrix are denoted by lowercase letters with subscripts, indicating their row and column
position. For example, the element in the second row and third column of matrix A would be
denoted as a₂₃.
Types of Matrices
There are various types of matrices, each with unique properties and applications:
* Row matrix: A matrix with only one row.
* Column matrix: A matrix with only one column.
* Square matrix: A matrix with the same number of rows and columns.
* Diagonal matrix: A square matrix with non-zero elements only on the main diagonal.
* Identity matrix: A square matrix with ones on the main diagonal and zeros elsewhere.
Matrix Operations
Matrices can be manipulated through various operations, including:
* Addition: Two matrices of the same dimensions can be added by adding corresponding
elements.
* Scalar multiplication: A matrix can be multiplied by a scalar (a single number) by multiplying
each element by the scalar.
* Matrix multiplication: Two matrices can be multiplied if the number of columns in the first
matrix equals the number of rows in the second matrix. The resulting matrix has the same
number of rows as the first matrix and the same number of columns as the second matrix.
* Transpose: The transpose of a matrix is obtained by interchanging its rows and columns.
Vectors: Directed Line Segments
A vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. It can be represented
geometrically as a directed line segment, with an arrow indicating its direction and length
representing its magnitude. Vectors are used to represent quantities that have both magnitude
and direction, such as velocity, force, and displacement.
Vector Notation
Vectors are typically denoted by lowercase letters with an arrow above, such as ⃗v or ⃗u. They
can also be represented as column matrices, where each element represents a component of
the vector.
Vector Operations
Vectors can be manipulated through various operations, including:
* Addition: Two vectors can be added by adding their corresponding components.
Geometrically, this corresponds to placing the tail of one vector at the head of the other vector.
* Scalar multiplication: A vector can be multiplied by a scalar by multiplying each component by
the scalar. Geometrically, this corresponds to scaling the length of the vector.
* Dot product: The dot product of two vectors is a scalar quantity obtained by multiplying
corresponding components and summing the results.
* Cross product: The cross product of two vectors is a vector quantity that is perpendicular to
both vectors.
Applications of Matrices and Vectors
Matrices and vectors have numerous applications in various fields, including:
* Physics: Representing forces, velocities, and accelerations.
* Engineering: Solving systems of linear equations, analyzing circuits, and designing structures.
* Computer science: Representing data, graphics, and transformations.
* Economics: Modeling economic systems and analyzing market trends.
Worked Example: Matrix Multiplication
Let A = [[1, 2], [3, 4]] and B = [[5, 6], [7, 8]]. To find the product AB, we perform the following
calculations:
AB = [[(15 + 27), (16 + 28)], [(35 + 47), (36 + 48)]]
= [[19, 22], [43, 50]]
Conclusion
Matrices and vectors are fundamental concepts in linear algebra, providing a powerful
framework for representing and manipulating data. Their applications span various fields,
making them essential tools for solving problems in science, engineering, and beyond.
*
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* https://slidetodoc.com/2-3-modeling-real-world-data-with-matrices/
*
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* https://saturncloud.io/blog/matrix-multiplication-in-pandas-a-guide/

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