Definition of a Matrix

A Matrix can be defined as any rectangular array of numbers with m rows and n columns falling into various catagories with the following properties:

Only elements of the real number system will be considered in this introductory tutorial.

Matrix of order m x n. The following is an example of a (m x n) matrix.

The size of a matrix is determined by the number of rows and columns it has. For example, an (m x n) matrix has n-columns and m-rows. Each element of a matrix in its m^th row and n^th column is denoted by

Several ways exist to symbolize a matrix. In this tutorial an underlined uppercase letter will represent a square or rectangular matrix. For example,

Underlined lower case letters signify special matrices, such as a row and column matrices.