If you multiply a 2x2 matrix and a 2x1 matrix the product is a 2x1 matrix?

1 Answer
Jul 17, 2015

Yes, it wll give you a #2xx1# matrix!

Explanation:

When you consider the order of the matrices involved in a multiplication you look at the digits at the extremes to "see" the order of the result.
In this case (red digits):
#color(red)(2)xx2# and #2xxcolor(red)(1)#
So the result will be a #2xx1#.

The internal ones #2 and 2# tell you if the multiplication is possible (when they are equal) or not (when they are different).

For example:
#((2,1),(3,2))xx((1),(2))=((2*1+1*2),(3*1+2*2))=((4),(7))_(2xx1)#