ABSTRACT
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers (or symbols or expressions) consisting of rows and columns. Operations with matrices are subject to certain rules. It should be realized that a matrix is not a single quantity; it is a representation of an array of entities. This chapter introduces the relevant aspects of matrices with examples, namely matrix operations, matrix inverse, and determinants. It provides information on the properties of matrix products and eigenvalues of a square matrix and presents solutions to a system of equations, including eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and orthogonality. To show the diverse applications of the material, numerous and widely varied solved boundary value problems are presented. The chapter also provides procedures to make ordinary and partial differential equations used in engineering non-dimensional.
