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We use matrices to list data or to represent systems. Because the entries are numbers, we can perform operations on matrices. We add or subtract matrices by adding or subtracting corresponding entries.
In order to do this, the entries must correspond. Therefore, addition and subtraction of matrices is only possible when the matrices have the same dimensions . We can add or subtract a matrix and another matrix, but we cannot add or subtract a matrix and a matrix because some entries in one matrix will not have a corresponding entry in the other matrix.
Given matrices
and
of like dimensions, addition and subtraction of
and
will produce matrix
or
matrix
of the same dimension.
Matrix addition is commutative.
It is also associative.
Find the sum of and given
Add corresponding entries.
Find the sum of and
Add corresponding entries. Add the entry in row 1, column 1, of matrix to the entry in row 1, column 1, of Continue the pattern until all entries have been added.
Find the difference of and
We subtract the corresponding entries of each matrix.
Given and
Besides adding and subtracting whole matrices, there are many situations in which we need to multiply a matrix by a constant called a scalar. Recall that a scalar is a real number quantity that has magnitude, but not direction. For example, time, temperature, and distance are scalar quantities. The process of scalar multiplication involves multiplying each entry in a matrix by a scalar. A scalar multiple is any entry of a matrix that results from scalar multiplication.
Consider a real-world scenario in which a university needs to add to its inventory of computers, computer tables, and chairs in two of the campus labs due to increased enrollment. They estimate that 15% more equipment is needed in both labs. The school’s current inventory is displayed in [link] .
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