Matrices, Vectors and Determinants

Abstract

Calculations in theoretical mathematics and applications to business life are often facilitated by the arrangement of the separate figures or elements into ordered rows and columns, known as vectors, and complete rectangular or square patterns known as matrices (pl.). These techniques, which are studied in linear algebra enable economic tabulation of data, convenient processing and printing out by electronic computers and the systematic solving of sets of simultaneous equations in two or more unknowns. The first example shows business data expressed in these new terms and the special way in which ordinary arithmetical processes are applied.