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Matrix Multiplication and Coordinate Systems

1. Matrix Multiplication

1.1 Definition

A matrix multiplication is the production of a new matrix from a pair of matrices.

Matrices can only multiply if the number of columns for the first matrix equals the number of rows for the second matrix.

For example

Multiplying AB

A ---> 3x2 matrix (3 is the # of rows, and 2 is the # of columns)

B ---> 2x3 matrix (2 is the # of rows, and 3 is the # of columns)

THEY DO CAN MULTIPLY!


The new matrix will have the rows of the first matrix and the columns of the second matrix.

For example

AB = C

A ---> "m x p"

B ---> "p x n"

Then C will be "m x n"


1.2 Dot Product

                  $ A= \left(\begin{array}{cccc}a1\\a2\\.\\.\\.\\an\end{array}\right) $        $ B= \left(\begin{array}{cccc}b1\\b2\\.\\.\\.\\bn\end{array}\right) $

A*B = a1b1 + a2b2 + ... + anbn

In order to make a matrix multiplication, there should be the operation of dot product between the rows of the first matrix and the columns of the second matrix. To fin the entry (a,b) in the new matrix, the sum of the products of the bth column in the second matrix and of the ath row in the first matrix.

For example

<math>\left(\begin{array}{cccc}1&2&3&4\\5&6&7&8\end{array}\right)</math>

<math>\left(\begin{array}{cccc}1&2&3&4\\5&6&7&8\end{array}\right)</math>

You take a11*b11 + a12*b21 and that's your c11.

(1)*(5) + (2)*(7) = 19

Then a11*b12 + a12*b22 = c12
(1)*(6) + (2)*(8) = 22


After no more columns, you move to the next row. Take a21*b11 + a22*b21 = c21

(3)*(5) + (4)*(7) = 43


And the last one in this case would be a21*b12 + a22*b22 = c22

(3)*(6) + (4)*(8) = 50


So, the new matrix would be 
<math>\left(\begin{array}{cccc}1&2&3&4\\5&6&7&8\end{array}\right)</math>


1.3 Matrix Multiplication in the Real World


Matrices are used in many life situations. In fact this semestre I had two clases where matrices where applied. 



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