A. Matrix Arithmetic
The use of matrix notation to represent a system of simultaneous equations was introduced in section III-B-1 above, mainly for the sake of brevity. In solving simultaneous linear equations, matrix operations are central. There follows, therefore, a brief review of the salient properties of matrices. Fuller discussion of the properties of matrices may be found in various texts, particularly Linear Algebra texts.
1. Matrices
A matrix is an n x m array of numbers. In these notes a matrix is symbolized by a letter with a line on top,  ; n is the number of rows and m is the number of columns. If n = m, the matrix is said to be a square matrix. If the matrix has only one column(row) it is said to be a column(row) matrix. The jth element in the ith row of a matrix is indicated by subscripts, bij. Mathematically, an entity like a matrix is defined by a list of properties and operations, for instance the rules for adding or multiplying two matrices. Also, matrices can be regarded as one way to represent members of a group in Group Theory.
 
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