Skip to main content
Ch. 5 - Systems and Matrices
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. 5 - Systems and MatricesProblem 57
Chapter 6, Problem 57

Find each product, if possible.
[3−41502][−142]\(\left\)[ \(\begin{matrix}\) 3 & -4 & 1 \\ 5 & 0 & 2 \(\end{matrix}\) \(\right\)] \(\left\)[ \(\begin{matrix}\) -1 \\ 4 \\ 2 \(\end{matrix}\) \(\right\)]

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the dimensions of the matrices involved. The first matrix is a 3x2 matrix (3 rows and 2 columns), and the second matrix is a 1x3 matrix (1 row and 3 columns).
Recall the rule for matrix multiplication: The number of columns in the first matrix must equal the number of rows in the second matrix for the product to be defined.
Check if the multiplication is possible by comparing the dimensions: The first matrix has 2 columns, and the second matrix has 1 row. Since 2 ≠ 1, the multiplication is not possible.
Conclude that the product of a 3x2 matrix and a 1x3 matrix is undefined because the inner dimensions do not match.
If you want to multiply matrices, consider switching the order or using matrices with compatible dimensions, such as multiplying a 3x2 matrix by a 2xN matrix.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
4m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Matrix Dimensions and Multiplication Rules

Matrix multiplication is defined only when the number of columns in the first matrix equals the number of rows in the second matrix. For example, a 3x2 matrix can only be multiplied by a 2xN matrix. Understanding these dimension requirements is essential to determine if the product is possible.
Recommended video:
Guided course
6:54
Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns

Matrix Multiplication Process

To multiply matrices, each element of the resulting matrix is found by taking the dot product of the corresponding row from the first matrix and the column from the second matrix. This involves multiplying corresponding entries and summing the results, producing a new matrix with dimensions based on the outer dimensions of the factors.
Recommended video:
03:42
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity

Interpreting Matrix Size Notation

Matrix size is denoted as rows x columns (e.g., 3x2 means 3 rows and 2 columns). Recognizing this notation helps in visualizing the matrix structure and applying multiplication rules correctly, ensuring the operation is valid and the resulting matrix dimensions are understood.
Recommended video:
05:18
Interval Notation
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Graph the solution set of each system of inequalities.

2x+3y≤122x+3y\(\le\)12

2x+3y>−62x+3y>-6

3x+y<43x+y\(\lt{4}\)

x≥0x\(\ge\)0

y≥0y\(\ge\)0

837
views
Textbook Question

Solve each problem using a system of equations in two variables. See Example 6. Find two numbers whose squares have a sum of 100 and a difference of 28.

478
views
Textbook Question

Use the determinant theorems to evaluate each determinant.

∣−102354−37829−544−110∣\(\left\)| \(\begin{matrix}\) -1 & 0 & 2 & 3 \\ 5 & 4 & -3 & 7 \\ 8 & 2 & 9 & -5 \\ 4 & 4 & -1 & 10 \(\end{matrix}\) \(\right\)|

714
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

Use the determinant theorems to evaluate each determinant.

∣4002−103024010012∣\(\left\)| \(\begin{matrix}\) 4 & 0 & 0 & 2 \\ -1 & 0 & 3 & 0 \\ 2 & 4 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 2 \(\end{matrix}\) \(\right\)|

714
views
Textbook Question

Graph the solution set of each system of inequalities.

x≤4x\(\le\)4

x≥0x\(\ge\)0

y≥0y\(\ge\)0

x+2y≥2x+2y\(\ge\)2

585
views
Textbook Question

Graph the solution set of each system of inequalities.

2y+x≥−52y+x\(\ge\)-5

y≤3+xy\(\le\)3+x

x≤0x\(\le\)0

y≤0y\(\le\)0

550
views