MAT 111 Module 6: Vectors and Matrices
Abstract
In the previous module on "Complex Numbers" you learned that a complex number can be represented as a vector. That is, a quantity with both magnitude and direction. Vectors play a very important role, and matrices are an example of functions between sets of vectors. In this module, we will formally introduce the concept of vectors, operations on vectors solve problems involving vectors. It will be important to write these vectors in matrix form to make calculations easier.
In most aspects of life, you will encounter linear equations. In most applications, these equations can be rather large and will need to be converted to matrices so that they can be solved. You will be introduced to matrices, albeit smaller ones, and learn basic numerical and algebraic operations on matrices. Some of the most interesting applications of matrices will be learned at a later stage, but here you will be introduced to basic operations. The most important, and widely applied property of matrices that you will learn in this module is the determinant of a square matrix.
Description
In the previous module on "Complex Numbers" you learned that a complex number can be represented as a vector. That is, a quantity with both magnitude and direction. Vectors play a very important role, and matrices are an example of functions between sets of vectors. In this module, we will formally introduce the concept of vectors, operations on vectors solve problems involving vectors. It will be important to write these vectors in matrix form to make calculations easier.
In most aspects of life, you will encounter linear equations. In most applications, these equations can be rather large and will need to be converted to matrices so that they can be solved. You will be introduced to matrices, albeit smaller ones, and learn basic numerical and algebraic operations on matrices. Some of the most interesting applications of matrices will be learned at a later stage, but here you will be introduced to basic operations. The most important, and widely applied property of matrices that you will learn in this module is the determinant of a square matrix.
Keywords
Citation
Collections
Version History
You are currently viewing version 2 of the item.