Linear Algebra (1) - essential math before studying linear algebra

essential math you need to know before studying linear algebra

 

linear algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with vectors and matrices, which play a fundamental role in various scientific and engineering fields. a solid understanding of basic arithmetic operations with vectors and matrices is crucial. in this post, we'll go over the essential arith metic operations you should know before diving in to linear algebra

 

1. scalar arithmetic

 

a scalar is a single number and serves as a basic unit in operations involving vectors and matrices.

 

ex ) 2, -3, 1/2

 

- basic operations with scalars

add 1 + 2

sub 1 - 2

mult 1 * 2

div 1 / 2

 

scalars are frequently used with vectors and matrices, a good understanding of basic scalar arithmetic is essential.

 

2. vector arithmetic

 

a vector has both magnitude and direction. the basic operation for vectors include vector addition and scalar multiplication.

 

- vector addition

 

- scalar multiplication with vectors

 

3. matrix arithmetic

 

matrices are used in various applications to structure data, and the basics of matrix arithmetic include the following

 

- matrix addition and subtraction

 

only matrices of the same dimensions can be added or subtracted element by element.

 

- scalar multiplication with matrices

 

 

multiply each element of the matrix by the scalar.

 

- matrix multiplication

 

to multiply two matrices A and B, the number of colums in A must equal the number of rows in B.

 

Practice Problems