Questions tagged [matrices]

For any topic related to matrices. This includes: systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors (diagonalization, triangularization), determinant, trace, characteristic polynomial, adjugate and adjoint, transpose, Jordan normal form, matrix algorithms (e.g. LU, Gauss elimination, SVD, QR), invariant factors, quadratic forms, etc. For questions specifically concerning matrix equations, use the (matrix-equations) tag.

A matrix is a rectangular array of elements, usually numbers or variables, arranged in rows and columns. A matrix with $m$ rows and $n$ columns has $m \times n$ elements and is called an $m$ by $n$ matrix. Matrices are a part of .

Matrices can be added and subtracted. Furthermore, if they have compatible shapes, they can be multiplied. More precisely, given two matrices $A$ and $B$, the matrix $AB$ is defined when the number of columns of $A$ is equal to the number of rows of $B$. In particular, given a natural number $n$, any two matrices $A$ and $B$ with $n$ columns and $n$ rows can be multiplied in both ways (that is, both $AB$ and $BA$ exist).


For questions specifically concerning matrix equations, use the tag.

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how to compute the matrix polynomial

Let $A$ be the matrix $$A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & \sqrt{2}\\ -\sqrt{2} & -1\\ \end{pmatrix}$$ Compute the matrix $B = 3A -2A^2 - A^3 -5A^4 + A^6$. Could any one give me any hint for this one? I have calculated the eigenvalues they are…
Myshkin
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What does $X^{-1}.Y.X = Z$ represents? How we can further simplify it?

I am trying to solve chain matrices multiplication. Where I encounter a problem, which sees like dead end to me. How further I can decompose $X^{-1} . Y . X = Z$ or simplify it to find matrix $X$ from this multiplication. Where matrices $X,Y$and $Z$…
Salman
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Adding 2 vectors definition Springer Text

Page 11 of Matrix Algebra by James E Gentle states "Two vectors can be added if they have the same number of elements." A 3 x 4 matrix and 4 x 3 will have same no. of elements (12) so can they be added even when corresponding elements are missing?…
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Math question using matrices

I have the following system: $$\left\{\begin{array}{cccccccc} 2x&+&3y&+&z&-&3v&=&2 \\ x&-&y&+&2z&+&v&=&0\\ 3x&+&2y&+&3z&-&2v&=&-2 \end{array}\right.$$ I have to show if the system does or doesn't have solutions using multidimensional vectors. I…
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If a $2 \times 2$ matrix $A$ has $0$ as an eigenvalue why does $e^A$ have $1$ as an eigenvalue?

So I'm not seeing the reason for this potentially very simple fact. Why does this have to be true? Given a $2 \times 2$ matrix $A$ that is traceless, in one possible case it may have $0$ as both eigenvalue. From that how does it follow that $e^A$…
Poppy
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Anything faster than matrix exponentiation by squaring?

I have a 4x4 matrix $M$ and a 4-length vector $V$, and I want to find $M^k\times V$ for very large $k$. Even if I did exponentiation by squaring, there would be way too many steps involved in terms of halving $k$ simply because it is so large. Is…
user51819
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Is it possible to find this z value working backwards after a matrix multiplication?

I multiply a 4 x 4 matrix by a 4 component vector, and I'm trying to find the value of the z component working backwards. The following picture is just to show you what I'm talking about. After doing this multiplication then z is divided by w,…
Zebrafish
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understanding a matrix geometrically

For fun, I set myself the exercise of understanding the matrix \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2\\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix} geometrically. What I am looking for is a decomposition of this matrix into simpler linear transformations like reflections, shears,…
Adam
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The size of two similar matrices

Show that if B is similar to A, then they are both square matrices of the same size. If someone could get me started in the right direction, that would be helpful.
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Find two matrices P,Q such that PAQ is in normal form?

Matrix A is given as $$\pmatrix{2 & 1 & -3 & -6 \\ 3 & -3 & 1 & 2 \\ 1 & 1 & 1 & 2 \\}$$ To find 2 matrices P and Q such that P.A.Q is in normal form. the method that must be employed is equating A = P.A.Q -->eqn 1 where initially P as identity…
Joao
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Solving systems of equation with unknown

How do i solve this system? $$ \left\{ \begin{array}{c} ax+y+z=1 \\ x+ay+z=a \\ x+y+az=a^2 \end{array} \right. $$ Ive reduced to this form. How should i continue to get infinitely many solutions, no solution and unique? $$ \left[ …
Anonymous
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Is it possible to have such a matrix?

I am searching for a square $n\times n$ nonnegative integer matrix whose all diagonal entries are zero and which contains at least one eigenvalue whose geometric multiplicity is less than its algebraic multiplicity. Besides, the matrix should…
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How to find an example of matrix $A$ that satisfies $A^{-1} = \frac{1}{n} A$, where $A = [a_{ij}]_{n \times n}$?

How to find an example of matrix $A$ that satisfies $A^{-1} = \frac{1}{n} A$, where $A \in n \times n$? For example if $A= \left( \begin{array}{ccc} 1 & 1 & 1\\ 1 & i & i^2\\ 1 & i^2 & i^4 \\ \end{array} \right)$, then…
user2723
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Evaluating rank of a matrix using determinanats

I have been introduced to a method for calculating the rank of and $m\times n$ matrix using determinants. The method states that the rank of our matrix is equal to the order of the largest square submatrix that has non zero determinant. My problem…
TheGeometer
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Finding a third degree equation that fits two points

Good day everyone, I am not a mathematics major or student and I thus apologise for my mathematical ineptitude. I am a business student researching optimal economic replacement problem of capital equipment in the mining industry in South Africa.…