After studying this unit students will be able to:
Matrices are used for solving system of linear equations by several methods. These methods are used in computer programs, in traffic flow, schedule air line flights, engineering, accounting, economics etc
Introduction of Matrices
In a mathematical quiz between girls and boys, Class 8 (girls) scored 95 points, class 8 (boys) scored 97 points, Class 9 (girls) scored 93 points, class 9 (boys) scored 90 points, class 10 (girls) scored 96 points and class 10 (boys) scored 94 points. This information can be displayed as under:
This method is no doubt easy to write and manipulate. In 1850, Sylvester introduced such rectangular arrangement and he named it 'Matrix'. Later Hamilton and Cayley made further significant contributions to the Matrix Algebra. Today matrices are being used in almost every academic discipline in building models, organizing data and solving real world problems.