9.5.1 An Introduction to Matrices Flashcards
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- A matrix is a rectangular block of numbers. The plural of matrix is matrices.
• The numbers in a matrix are called the elements of the matrix.
• Systems of linear equations can be represented by matrices.
• An augmented matrix is a matrix representing a system of linear equations where the constants are included along with the coefficients. Typically, the first row of an augmented matrix contains the coefficients and constant from the first equation and the second row contains the coefficients and constant from the second equation. If the system is two equations in terms of x and/or y, then the first column contains the coefficients of x, the second column contains the coefficients of y, and the third column contains the constants. A vertical line is used to separate the last coefficient column from the constant column. This line may be a solid vertical line or a dashed (dotted) vertical line.
