Topic 1: Introduction to Linear Algebra
1. What is Linear Algebra?
Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics that deals with:
● Vectors (quantities with both magnitude and direction),
● Matrices (rectangular arrays of numbers),
● And operations on these, like addition, multiplication, and solving systems of linear
equations.
Why is it important?
● It is used in data science, physics, engineering, computer graphics, and machine
learning.
● Example: In computer graphics, linear algebra helps create realistic animations by
transforming 3D objects.
2. Key Terminology
1. Scalar: A single number (e.g., 5, -3, 0.7).
2. Vector: A list of numbers (e.g., [2,−1][2,−1]).
3. Matrix: A grid of numbers (e.g., \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{bmatrix} \]).
4. Linear Equation: An equation like 2x+3y=52x+3y=5 represents a straight line.
3. Example: Representing Systems of Equations
We can represent the system of equations:
2x+y=53x−y=42x+y=53x−y=4
as a matrix equation:
[213−1][xy]=[54][231−1][xy]=[54]
4. Solved Example
Problem: Solve the following system of equations using matrices:
x+2y=63x−y=4x+2y=63x−y=4
Step 1: Represent as a matrix equation
[123−1][xy]=[64][132−1][xy]=[64]
Step 2: Solve using elimination (Gaussian method)
1. Write the augmented matrix:[12∣63−1∣4][132−1∣∣64]
2. Eliminate xx from the second row: Subtract 3×3× (row 1) from row
2:[12∣60−7∣−14][102−7∣∣6−14]
3. Solve for yy:
From row 2, −7y=−14 ⟹ y=2−7y=−14⟹y=2.
4. Solve for xx:
From row 1, x+2(2)=6 ⟹ x=2x+2(2)=6⟹x=2.
Answer: x=2,y=2x=2,y=2
5. Real-Life Application
● Physics: Linear algebra is used to calculate forces and directions in mechanics.
● Computer Science: It helps in cryptography and image processing.
