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With numbers, we can perform various operations such as: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, division etc. Similarly, with Matrices, we can perform addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Now let us look at the addition.

Activity

Addition of two matrices:

Necessary Conditions for Addition & Subtraction

In order to add or subtract two matrices, they should satisfy certain conditions. What do you think these conditions are?

Think about the shape of the matrices.

(a) Both matrices should have positive numbers as their elements

Sorry! Your choice is Incorrect. Elements of the matrices can be any real number

(b) Both matrices should be either 2x2 or 3x3 matrices.

Sorry! Your choice is Incorrect. Each element of the first matrix should have a corresponding element in the second matrix!

(c) Both matrices should have the same order.

Absolutely correct, they should have the same number of rows and the same number of columns! Or Each element of the first matrix needs a corresponding element in the second matrix to be added or to be subtracted.

Competency

Now try the following Questions

(A) Add the following matrices

(B) Subtract the following matrices

Reflection

We can add or subtract two matrices if their Order is the same. That means, they should have the same number of rows and the same number of columns!

Great work! Please check your anwers on the Answers page. If your answers are correct then you are ready to explore the Multiplication of Matrices

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