MathIsimple

Unit 2: Foundations of Linear Algebra

Core linear algebra tools for further study in engineering, CS, and data science.

Learning Time

~ 6–8 hours, 3 lessons, 20+ practice tasks

Prerequisites

Algebra, functions, vectors, basic geometry

You Will Be Able To

Compute inverses, solve systems, interpret linear maps

Syllabus

  1. Matrices & Inverses: arithmetic, determinants, invertibility, solving Ax=b via A^-1
  2. Systems & Linear Combinations: augmented matrices, Gaussian elimination, rank, spans
  3. Vector Spaces & Transformations: basis, dimension, matrices as linear maps

Outcomes

  • • Explain when a matrix is invertible and why det(A)≠0 matters
  • • Solve systems and classify solutions using rank and pivots
  • • Describe spaces with bases and interpret matrices geometrically

FAQ

Why doesn't matrix multiplication satisfy commutativity?

Because the order of linear combinations of columns and rows differs, representing different transformation compositions, usually AB ≠ BA.

How to intuitively understand determinants?

In 2D it's an area scaling factor, in 3D it's a volume scaling factor; when 0, it means flattening to lower dimensions.