ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a review of linear algebra as it relates to the programming problems discussed. Topics include matrices, vectors, scalars, as well as the corresponding numeric operations. The routines developed are those that would be typically found in an array processor package, including scalar and vector operations, matrix addition and multiplication, and the solution of a system of linear equations. The term matrix is used in mathematics to describe an array of numbers stored in a two-dimensional structure of columns and rows. The common notation for matrices uses brackets to enclose the structure. The chapter presents a 4 by 4 matrix of signed, fractional numbers. A matrix can be visualized as a rectangular pattern of rows and columns containing numeric data. Each matrix element is called an entry. A matrix is stored in computer memory as a series of ordered numeric items. Each numeric data item in the matrix takes up memory space according to the storage format.
