6.1 Introduction
• Matrices allow simple equations that drive a large number of repetitive calculations - as a result they are found in many computer applications.
• A matrix has the form seen below,
• In Scilab,
6.1.1 Basic Matrix Operations
• Matrix operations are available for many of the basic algebraic expressions, examples are given below. There are also many restrictions - many of these are indicated.
6.1.2 Determinants
• Determinants give a ’magnitude product’ of a matrix. This can be though of as a general magnitude of the matrix.
• To find a determinant the matrix must must be square.
•
• For a 2 by 2 matrix.
• For a 3 by 3 matrix
• Higher order matrices follow a similar pattern. For example a 4th order matrix has the pattern,
6.1.5 Inverse Matrices
• Some Scilab,
6.1.7 Eigenvalues
• The eigenvalue of a matrix is found using,
