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It is the operations that you perform on the matrix that are important.
What kind of operations can you preform ?
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You can add, subtract and multiply two matrices. There is no division of two matrices but you can invert a matrix provided it is not singular. You can get the determinant of a matrix. You can multiply, add, subtract and divide a matrix by a scalar. The most fundamental and important thing about matrices is that you can use them to solve simultaneous equations. But they have 100's of other important uses.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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Oh, can you give an example?
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Hi;
multiply 2:
Add 2:
Subtract 2:
Invert a matrix:
Determinant of a matrix:
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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Whoa, that is confusing.
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Yes, that is why asking what matrices are good for, or what they do, is a bit like asking what can you use the english language for.
I can and will assist you with any specific problem. A solvable problem would be nice. To learn the subject called linear algebra which is a huge field will require at least a book to teach you. I can assist with your learning process. But this is a full blown course! Fortunately many languages have built in matrix commands that you can use. You can do some work not having any understanding at all.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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How can you teach me to begin to understand matrix so I can relate it to what I do ?
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Hi SuperLynx;
What is it that you do? What kind of problems are you working on. Can you show me?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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I'd like to figure out on something simple, suppose you have a sphere and a cube what can you do with matrix with the two ?
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Hi SuperLynx;
That is hardly simple.
A matrix is an array or box of numbers. Sphere's and cubes can be represented as coordinates ( points on a screen. ) Then they can can be stored in a matrix. Using transformations on them they can seem to be animated on a screen in other words motion.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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How the heck am I going to learn this. It can't be that hard just grasping it.
Last edited by SuperLynx (2010-08-09 23:34:18)
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Hi SuperLynx;
Start slowly and do it a little at a time. It may take a very long time, it did for me.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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How can I start to learn ? And where?
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Hi SuperLynx;
It would help if I knew what you were trying to accomplish. But generally, if you can't get classes then you have to learn it the hard way. Little at a time, piecing it together from books and problems. That's it. Forums like this one are a big help because you can get specific help. You will need a textbook. I am going to eat now so I will be stuffing my face. We will talk more when I am done.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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Alright, if you know any web sites that can describe this with some degree visually I would appreciate it. I've done my own searching on the web and even if there are any books and I can't find anything that I would understand.
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Hi SuperLynx;
Okay, what are we talking about here? Do you need the whole of linear algebra because that is going to take some time. Do you just need some matrix operations then I have already shown you some of them. Matrices as I have said are a container. Many programming languages have them as well as the operations that are done to them. As I have said when you use the rand() command you really don't have to know too much about how random numbers are generated.
So now is the time to explain something about why you need linear algebra. What tasks are you trying to perform? Is it just to learn about matrices or are you trying a programming task?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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I want to learn about Matrices and I'm trying to do a programming task with them, nothing specific except how Matrices can be used with geometry.
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Hi SuperLynx;
Matrix algebra is not that difficult. I can teach it to to you. You already know a little. About the programming task that is another story. Why not break the task up into many smaller sub problems. We could go over all of them one at a time.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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I don't know any sub problems, hopefully you can think of something. Something that would relate to geometry.
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Hi;
Take the job you are trying to do. Break it down into smaller problems. Do you have any programming experience?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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A little at this time. I'm trying to break it down, Is there some way, some how you could explain it to me ?
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Hi;
Do you have some program that can graph points?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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The 3D program I use.
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Okay, can it draw lines between two points and do you know how to use it well?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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It can draw lines between points, I'd say I know how to use it very well except for this one part of the program I'm rough around the edges.
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