Introduction to Matrices

The word matrix was first introduced by English mathematician Jame Sylverter (1814-1897). Another mathematician, Arther Caylay (1821-1895), also developed the theory of matrices independently and used it for solving linear equations.

Nowadays, matrices (the plural of matrix) are used in high speed computers and other branches of natural and social sciences to solve problems.

In the world around us, we see students in schools gathered in an assembly in rows (horizontal lines) and columns (vertical lines) , chairs in classrooms are arranged in rows and columns, etc. This type of arrangement is called a matrix arrangement or simply a matrix. Hence, when objects are arranged in rows and columns, then such an arrangement is called a matrix.