What is a matrix?

1 Answer
Gió
Mar 23, 2015

A matrix is a table of numbers (or other elements) disposed in rows ans columns.
For example:
#A=##((1,2,3),(3,4,6))#
This is a rectangular matrix called #A# with #2# rows and #3# columns, so you say thart #A# has order #2xx3# (2 by 3).

You can have square matrices when the numbers of rows is equal to the number of columns:
#B=##((1,2,3),(3,4,6),(3,2,1))#
Where #B# is a square matrix od order #3xx3# or simply #3#.

You can also have matrices with one column only or one row only :
#C=##((1),(6),(7))# or #D=##((1,2,3,4,6))#
these are sometimes called vectors or column vector and row vector.

A bank statement is an example of a matrix:
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-bank-statement-image436784

Related questions
See all questions in Addition of Matrices
Impact of this question
2900 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License