Matrices look like a block of numbers organized in rows and columns. Matrices can be used to represent a range of data. For example, each row may represent a different product and each column might represent the number of that product sold at a different location or on a different day. Any matrix can be multiplied by a single number, which is known as scalar multiplication. However, certain requirements must be met before you can multiply two mMatrices by each other. Knowing a quick check to see if you can perform matrix multiplication will save you time and effort.
Instructions
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1
Count the number of rows in the first matrix. A row is one level across.
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2
Count the number of columns in the second matrix. A column is one line of numbers going down.
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3
Compare the number of rows in the first matrix to the number of columns in the second matrix. If they are equal, multiply the two matrices. If they are not equal, you cannot multiply them. For example, if the first matrix has 2 rows and the second matrix has 2 columns, you could multiply the two. However, if the first matrix has 3 rows and the second matrix has 2 columns, you could not multiply the two.