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Understanding Matrices and Their Ranks

Nov 4, 2024

Engineering Mathematics I - Lecture Notes

Instructor: Dr. Gajendra Purohit

Introduction

  • Course: Engineering Mathematics I
  • Initial Topic: Matrices
    • Part of Linear Algebra
    • Key Topics in Matrices:
      • Rank of a Matrix
      • Inconsistent and Consistent Linear Equations
      • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
      • Cayley Hamilton Theorem

Matrices Basics

  • Definition: A matrix is represented in form 'm x n', where:
    • m = number of rows
    • n = number of columns
  • Square Matrix: A matrix with equal numbers of rows and columns (e.g., 2x2, 3x3)
  • Types of Matrices: Row matrix, Column matrix, Unit matrix

Rank of a Matrix

Basic Definition

  • Rank is defined by the number of different rows in a matrix.
  • Examples:
    • 3x3 matrix:
      • All different rows: Rank = 3
      • Two same rows: Rank = 2
      • All same rows: Rank = 1

Sub-matrices and Minors

  • Matrices can have sub-matrices called 'Minors'
  • A minor's determinant must be non-zero for determining rank

Methods to Find Rank

  1. Determinant Method (Minor Method)

    • Find rank using sub-matrices
    • Limited to square matrices
  2. Row and Column Transformation

    • More adaptable method
    • Steps involve transforming the matrix into Echelon form
    • Example: If last line is non-zero, rank is the number of non-zero rows
  3. Normal Form Reduction

    • Used when rank is required in normal form
    • Transform matrix into a unit matrix of the same rank (e.g., rank 2 results in a 2x2 unit matrix)

Practical Examples

  • Several examples were shown:
    • 3x4 Matrix Example
    • 4x4 Matrix Example
    • Key learning involves transformation to find a matrix’s rank

Conclusion

  • Today's focus: Rank of a Matrix
  • Upcoming Topic: Consistent and Inconsistent Linear Equations
    • Dependent on understanding of rank
  • Summary:
    • Rank depends on the uniqueness of rows in a matrix
    • Transformation methods and tricks explained

Future Sessions

  • More videos on Engineering Mathematics to follow

Thank you for attending the lecture. Stay tuned for more insights into Engineering Mathematics.