Matrices and Determinants

Matrices : A rectangular array of entries is called a Matrix. The entries may be real, complex or functions. The entries are also called as the elements of the matrix. The rectangular array of entries are enclosed in an ordinary bracket or in square bracket.

Determinants : Let A = [a_ij] be a square matrix. We can associate with the square matrix A, a determinant which is formed by exactly the same array of elements of the matrix A. A determinant formed by the same array of elements of the square matrix A is called the determinant of the square matrix A and is denoted by the symbol det.A or |A|.