ABSTRACT
Why it is important to understand: Applications of matrices and determinants As mentioned previously, matrices are used to solve problems, for example, in electrical circuits, optics, quantum mechanics, statics, robotics, genetics and much more, and for calculating forces, vectors, tensions, masses, loads and a lot of other factors that must be accounted for in engineering. In the main, matrices and determinants are used to solve a system of simultaneous linear equations. The simultaneous solution of multiple equations finds its way into many common engineering problems. In fact, modern structural engineering analysis techniques are all about solving systems of equations simultaneously. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which are based on matrix theory, are very important in engineering and science. For example, car designers analyse eigenvalues in order to damp out the noise in a car, eigenvalue analysis is used in the design of car stereo systems, eigenvalues can be used to test for cracks and deformities in a solid, and oil companies use eigenvalues analysis to explore land for oil.
