Matrix algebra and inverses
Matrices multiply row-by-column. The determinant measures how a matrix scales area (or volume); when it is zero the matrix has no inverse. For , , and inverses solve systems of equations in one step.
≈ 45 minTransformations, invariant points and lines
The columns of a transformation matrix are the images of the unit vectors and . Rotations, reflections, enlargements and stretches all have standard matrices. means "do , then ". Invariant points satisfy ; invariant lines map onto themselves.
≈ 45 minEigenvalues and diagonalisation
An eigenvector of keeps its direction: , where is the eigenvalue. Eigenvalues solve . Putting eigenvectors in and eigenvalues in gives , so .
≈ 50 min