Open the App

Subjects

Understanding Matrices: Basics and Operations

4

0

user profile picture

Mira

11/21/2025

Pre-Calculus

matricies

59

Nov 21, 2025

3 pages

Understanding Matrices: Basics and Operations

Matrices are powerful mathematical tools that organize numbers into rows... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
1 / 3
unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Matrix Basics and Operations

Matrices organize numbers in a rectangular array of rows and columns. A matrix's dimensions are written as rows × columns, such as 2×3 (2 rows, 3 columns). Each element is labeled with subscripts that show its position (row, column).

The identity matrix is a special square matrix with 1s down the diagonal and 0s everywhere else. It functions like the number 1 in multiplication. For example, a 2×2 identity matrix looks like:

[1 0]
[0 1]

Matrix addition and subtraction work by combining corresponding elements, but only matrices with identical dimensions can be added or subtracted. For example:

[3 -8]   [6  2]   [9  -6]
[0 12] + [3 -9] = [3   3]

💡 Unlike multiplication, matrix addition is commutative, meaning A + B = B + A.

Scalar multiplication happens when you multiply every element in a matrix by a number. For "division," you multiply by a fraction likeA/3=(1/3)Alike A/3 = (1/3)A. Matrix multiplication is trickier—you must match the inner dimensions and use dot products of rows and columns. Remember that matrix multiplication is not commutative—the order matters!

unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Linear Systems Using Matrices

A linear system contains equations where variables appear only to the first power, without multiplying or dividing other variables, and without radicals. These systems can have one solution, no solutions, or infinitely many solutions.

To solve linear systems, we can convert them into augmented matrices that contain just the coefficients and constants. For example, the system

ax + by = c
dx + ey = f

becomes the matrix

[a b | c]
[d e | f]

We use row operations to transform these matrices:

  1. Interchange rows
  2. Multiply a row by a non-zero number
  3. Replace a row by adding/subtracting another row
  4. Combine operations to replace a row with itself plus a multiple of another row

💡 The goal is to reach reduced row echelon form, where the left side is an identity matrix, giving you the solution directly.

When solving, you might encounter a row of all zeros. If this row has a non-zero value on the right side, the system has no solutions. If the row is completely zeros, the system has infinitely many solutions, which you'll express in terms of a parameter.

For example, if your final matrix shows x = 4, y = -3, z = 1, that's your unique solution. If you end up with a relationship between variables, you'll have infinitely many solutions.

unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Inverse Matrices and Determinants

Only square matrices can have inverses. A matrix A and its inverse A⁻¹ multiply to give the identity matrix: A·A⁻¹ = I. To find an inverse:

  1. Create an augmented matrix with your original matrix on the left and the identity matrix on the right
  2. Use row operations to transform the left side into the identity matrix
  3. The right side becomes your inverse matrix

Not all matrices have inverses. If you get a row of zeros during this process, the matrix is singular and has no inverse.

💡 For 2×2 matrices, there's a shortcut: if A = ab;cda b; c d, then A⁻¹ = 1/det(A) · db;cad -b; -c a (swap the diagonal elements, negate the others, and divide by the determinant).

The determinant of a matrix (written as det A or |A|) is a special number that tells us important properties about the matrix:

  • For 2×2 matrices: det ab;cda b; c d = ad - bc
  • For 3×3 matrices: you can use diagonal products or expansion by minors

If a matrix's determinant equals zero, the matrix is singular and has no inverse. This is incredibly useful for quickly determining whether a linear system has a unique solution.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Pre-Calculus

59

Nov 21, 2025

3 pages

Understanding Matrices: Basics and Operations

Matrices are powerful mathematical tools that organize numbers into rows and columns, allowing us to solve complex problems efficiently. This guide covers the fundamentals of matrices, including basic operations, solving linear systems, and working with inverse matrices and determinants.

unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Matrix Basics and Operations

Matrices organize numbers in a rectangular array of rows and columns. A matrix's dimensions are written as rows × columns, such as 2×3 (2 rows, 3 columns). Each element is labeled with subscripts that show its position (row, column).

The identity matrix is a special square matrix with 1s down the diagonal and 0s everywhere else. It functions like the number 1 in multiplication. For example, a 2×2 identity matrix looks like:

[1 0]
[0 1]

Matrix addition and subtraction work by combining corresponding elements, but only matrices with identical dimensions can be added or subtracted. For example:

[3 -8]   [6  2]   [9  -6]
[0 12] + [3 -9] = [3   3]

💡 Unlike multiplication, matrix addition is commutative, meaning A + B = B + A.

Scalar multiplication happens when you multiply every element in a matrix by a number. For "division," you multiply by a fraction likeA/3=(1/3)Alike A/3 = (1/3)A. Matrix multiplication is trickier—you must match the inner dimensions and use dot products of rows and columns. Remember that matrix multiplication is not commutative—the order matters!

unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Linear Systems Using Matrices

A linear system contains equations where variables appear only to the first power, without multiplying or dividing other variables, and without radicals. These systems can have one solution, no solutions, or infinitely many solutions.

To solve linear systems, we can convert them into augmented matrices that contain just the coefficients and constants. For example, the system

ax + by = c
dx + ey = f

becomes the matrix

[a b | c]
[d e | f]

We use row operations to transform these matrices:

  1. Interchange rows
  2. Multiply a row by a non-zero number
  3. Replace a row by adding/subtracting another row
  4. Combine operations to replace a row with itself plus a multiple of another row

💡 The goal is to reach reduced row echelon form, where the left side is an identity matrix, giving you the solution directly.

When solving, you might encounter a row of all zeros. If this row has a non-zero value on the right side, the system has no solutions. If the row is completely zeros, the system has infinitely many solutions, which you'll express in terms of a parameter.

For example, if your final matrix shows x = 4, y = -3, z = 1, that's your unique solution. If you end up with a relationship between variables, you'll have infinitely many solutions.

unit THREE study guide
MATRIX BASICS
dimensions: rows x columns
• notation:
• identity matrix: ₁ =
ex:
MATRIX OPERATIONS
addition subtractio

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Inverse Matrices and Determinants

Only square matrices can have inverses. A matrix A and its inverse A⁻¹ multiply to give the identity matrix: A·A⁻¹ = I. To find an inverse:

  1. Create an augmented matrix with your original matrix on the left and the identity matrix on the right
  2. Use row operations to transform the left side into the identity matrix
  3. The right side becomes your inverse matrix

Not all matrices have inverses. If you get a row of zeros during this process, the matrix is singular and has no inverse.

💡 For 2×2 matrices, there's a shortcut: if A = ab;cda b; c d, then A⁻¹ = 1/det(A) · db;cad -b; -c a (swap the diagonal elements, negate the others, and divide by the determinant).

The determinant of a matrix (written as det A or |A|) is a special number that tells us important properties about the matrix:

  • For 2×2 matrices: det ab;cda b; c d = ad - bc
  • For 3×3 matrices: you can use diagonal products or expansion by minors

If a matrix's determinant equals zero, the matrix is singular and has no inverse. This is incredibly useful for quickly determining whether a linear system has a unique solution.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

4

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user