Application of Linear Algebra in various fields

INTRODUCTION
Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics concerning linear equations, linear maps, and their
representations in vector spaces and through matrices. At its core, it explores the relationships
between lines, planes, and subspaces, using algebraic methods to solve geometric problems.

Although the subject is deeply rooted in pure mathematics, linear algebra has become a cornerstone
of numerous real-world applications. From simulating realistic animations in films to powering
recommendation algorithms on platforms like Netflix, the techniques of linear algebra are used to
model data, solve equations, and process multidimensional information. Understanding linear
algebra allows researchers, engineers, and analysts to work with large data sets, perform complex
calculations, and develop systems that require the coordination of multiple interrelated variables. Its
importance continues to grow as fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and big data
analytics advance.

APPLICATIONS
1. Ranking in Search Engines
One of the most influential applications of linear algebra in technology is ranking web pages in
search engines, like Google. This process involves determining which web pages are the most
relevant or important based on a user’s query. Linear algebra provides the mathematical
foundation for this through algorithms like PageRank, which uses matrices and eigenvectors to
rank billions of web pages efficiently.

The most high-profile use of linear algebra was in the creation of Google. Their original ranking
algorithm, which has since become far more complicated, used a lot of linear algebra to rank
which webpages should show up first. More generally, any time we want to analyze a random
walk in a network, we are more likely to need some linear algebra.

2. Computer Graphics and Animation

Computer graphics is the science of creating visual content using computational methods. Linear
algebra is the backbone of how the visuals in a Video game, an Animated movie, and so much
more are constructed and animated. At its core, computer graphics deals with representing and
manipulating geometric data, most commonly points, lines, shapes, and 3D objects. Linear
algebra provides the tools for storing this data as vectors and matrices and for transforming it
through matrix operations.

In computer graphics, every image on a screen is made up of pixels that can be represented using
vectors and matrices. Linear algebra is used to perform geometric transformations such as
Translation (moving objects), Rotation (spinning objects), Scaling (resizing objects), and Shearing
(distorting objects). Each transformation is represented using a matrix. By multiplying a vector,
which represents a point in space, by a transformation matrix, we can change its position, size, or
orientation.

Real-World Examples:

Video Games, Movies (CGI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR)

3. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are fields that enable computers to learn
patterns from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for
every scenario. These technologies rely heavily on linear algebra to represent, manipulate, and
learn from data, especially when dealing with high-dimensional datasets.

Data in ML is often structured in matrices, where each row represents an observation and each
column represents a feature. Linear algebra provides tools to preprocess this data, model
relationships, reduce dimensions, and optimize model parameters efficiently.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a powerful linear algebra-based method used for
dimensionality reduction. It helps simplify large datasets by projecting them onto a smaller
number of new axes (called principal components) while retaining the most significant patterns
or variation in the data. In machine learning, PCA and other linear algebra tools are
indispensable for handling large datasets, improving model efficiency, and uncovering hidden
patterns.

4. Linear Programming
Linear programming is a method of optimization that is used to maximize or minimize a linear
objective function, subject to a set of linear equality and inequality constraints. It is a method for
determining the best possible outcome in a model whose requirements are represented by
linear relationships.

In linear programming, all constraints are written as linear inequalities, which can be compactly
represented in matrix form. Every linear programming problem has a dual problem, and linear
algebra concepts are used to derive and solve it. Duality theory helps determine bounds and
understand economic interpretations. By expressing objectives and constraints using vectors and
matrices, linear algebra allows for efficient modeling, analysis, and computation of optimal
solutions. Whether maximizing profits, minimizing costs, or optimizing resources, linear algebra
is the engine behind these strategic decisions.

5. Portfolio Optimization and Risk Assessment in Finance

In finance, investors aim to maximize returns while minimizing risk by carefully selecting a mix of
investment assets such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs. This process is known as portfolio optimization.
Evaluating the risk and expected return of different asset combinations requires the use of linear
algebra, especially vectors, matrices, and matrix operations. Linear algebra allows for the
efficient modeling and solving of problems involving multiple interrelated assets, where each
asset has its return, risk, and correlation with other assets.
The goal of prediction is to find relationships. Linear algebra provides the mathematical tools to
find and represent these relationships as a system that connects all the variables. Linear algebra
turns a problem into a structured system using vectors and matrices. In a prediction algorithm,
we try to build a model that best fits the data. This means finding a set of rules or weights that
tell us how much each input matters in making a prediction. Linear algebra helps in calculating
those weights efficiently, especially when the data has many variables.

CONCLUSION
Linear algebra is much more than an abstract branch of mathematics; it is a powerful tool that
forms the backbone of many modern technologies and scientific applications. From predicting
trends and solving optimization problems to rendering 3D animations and ranking web pages,
linear algebra enables us to model complex systems, analyze large datasets, and perform fast,
accurate computations. Its core concepts: vectors, matrices, and linear transformations, allow
data to be represented in structured ways and relationships between variables to be clearly
defined.

As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, the relevance of linear algebra continues to
grow. It plays a foundational role in fields such as machine learning, economics, computer
graphics, finance, and operations research. Mastering linear algebra equips us with the ability to
understand, innovate, and solve real-world problems in nearly every domain of science and
technology.

REFERENCES
[1] Jeremy Kunn, “Here’s just a fraction of what you can do with linear algebra”, Available:
https://medium.com/@jeremyjkun/here-s-just-a-fraction-of-what-you-can-do-with-linear-
algebra-633383d4153f, [Accessed: 29 June 2025]

[2] Gilbert Strang, Linear Algebra and Its Applications Fourth Edition, 2006