Matrix Operations Assignment
Introduction
This assignment discusses the topic of matrix operations, focusing on addition, subtraction,
multiplication, transpose, inverse, solving simultaneous equations using matrices, and
Cramer’s Rule. Each concept is explained with examples and solutions.
1. Matrix Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication
Matrix addition and subtraction involve adding or subtracting corresponding elements of
matrices of the same dimensions. Matrix multiplication is different; it requires the number
of columns in the first matrix to equal the number of rows in the second matrix.
Example 1: Addition and Subtraction
Given A = [[1, 3], [2, 4]] and B = [[5, 7], [6, 8]]:
- A + B = [[1+5, 3+7], [2+6, 4+8]] = [[6, 10], [8, 12]].
- A - B = [[1-5, 3-7], [2-6, 4-8]] = [[-4, -4], [-4, -4]].
Example 2: Multiplication
Given A = [[1, 2], [3, 4]] and B = [[2, 0], [1, 3]]:
- AB = [[(1*2+2*1), (1*0+2*3)], [(3*2+4*1), (3*0+4*3)]] = [[4, 6], [10, 12]].
2. Transpose and Inverse of Matrices
Transpose: Flipping a matrix over its diagonal.
Example: A = [[1, 2], [3, 4]], A^T = [[1, 3], [2, 4]].
Inverse: Only defined for square matrices where det(A) ≠ 0.
Formula: A^(-1) = (1/det(A)) * adj(A).
Example 3: Transpose and Inverse
Given A = [[1, 2], [3, 4]]:
- A^T = [[1, 3], [2, 4]].
- det(A) = (1*4) - (3*2) = -2.
- A^(-1) = (1/-2) * [[4, -2], [-3, 1]] = [[-2, 1], [1.5, -0.5]].
3. Solving Simultaneous Equations Using Matrices
Simultaneous equations can be solved using the matrix equation AX = B, where A is the
coefficient matrix, X is the variable matrix, and B is the constant matrix. The solution is X =
A^(-1)B.
Example 4: Solving Equations
Solve 2x + y = 5 and 3x - y = 4.
- Represent as AX = B: A = [[2, 1], [3, -1]], B = [[5], [4]].
- Find A^(-1) = [[-0.2, -0.2], [-0.6, 0.4]].
- Compute X = A^(-1)B = [[1], [3]].
Thus, x = 1, y = 3.
4. Cramer’s Rule
Cramer’s Rule uses determinants to solve systems of linear equations. For n equations, the
solution for x_i is:
x_i = det(A_i) / det(A), where A_i is the matrix formed by replacing the i-th column of A with
B.
Example 5: Cramer’s Rule
Solve 2x + 3y = 7 and x - y = 1.
- A = [[2, 3], [1, -1]], B = [[7], [1]].
- det(A) = -5.
- Replace the first column with B: A_x = [[7, 3], [1, -1]], det(A_x) = -10.
- Replace the second column with B: A_y = [[2, 7], [1, 1]], det(A_y) = -5.
- x = det(A_x) / det(A) = 2, y = det(A_y) / det(A) = 1.
Solution: x = 2, y = 1.
Conclusion
Matrix operations are fundamental in mathematics, with wide applications in solving
equations and analyzing data. This assignment highlights the core operations, providing
theoretical explanations and practical examples.
