In mathematics, a matrix (plural matrices, or less commonly matrixes) is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions.

The individual items in a matrix are called its elements or entries. Matrices of the same size can be added or subtracted element by element. The rule for matrix multiplication is more complicated, and two matrices can be multiplied only when the number of columns in the first equals the number of rows in the second. A major application of matrices is to represent linear transformations, that is, generalizations of linear functions such as f(x) = 4x. For example, the rotation of vectors in three dimensional space is a linear transformation.

If R is a rotation matrix and v is a column vector (a matrix with only one column) describing the position of a point in space, the product Rv is a column vector describing the position of that point after a rotation. The product of two matrices is a matrix that represents the composition of two linear transformations. Another application of matrices is in the solution of a system of linear equations. If the matrix is a square matrix, the determinant gives important information about the matrix. For example, the matrix has an inverse if and only if the determinant is not zero. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors provide insight into the geometry of linear transformations.

Matrices find applications in most scientific fields. In physics, matrices are used to study electrical circuits, optics, and quantum mechanics. In computer graphics, matrices are used to project a 3-dimensional image onto a 2-dimensional screen, and to create realistic seeming motion. Matrix calculus generalizes classical analytical notions such as derivatives and exponentials to higher dimensions. A major branch of numerical analysis is devoted to the development of efficient algorithms for matrix computations, a subject that is centuries old and is today an expanding area of research.

Matrix decomposition methods simplify computations, both theoretically and practically. Algorithms that are tailored to the structure of particular matrix structures, e.g. sparse matrices, near diagonal matrices, expedite computations in finite element method and other computations. Infinite matrices occur in planetary theory and in atomic theory. A simple example is the matrix representing the derivative operator, which acts on the Taylor series of a function.

Any data that is organized in columns and rows can be represented as a matric. Matrices are used to represent real-world data such as the habits, or traits of a population of people. One example of how matrices can be used is with encryption. When a programmer encrypts or codes a message, he can use matrices and their inverse. The internet function could not function without encryption, and neither could banks since they now use these same means to transmit private and sensitive data.

I've read that many geologists make use certain types of matrices for seismic surveys. Matrices are also used in graphs and statistics for doing scientific studies in many other different fields. Matrices are used to calculate gross domestic product in economics, and thereby help in calculation for producing goods more efficiently. Matrices are also sometimes used in computer animation. Matrices can be used to encrypt and decrypt codes. They can also be used to display networks allowing mathematical calculations to be worked out more easily with relation to problems such as traffic flow and plumbing.

In other way, Matrices are used to figure who is seeded in a contest like the NCAA basketball final four. Matrices are used in any calculation that has to do with multiple variables. In business the maximum that you charge for a ticket and make the most money, I have used matrices. Who know matrices they will rich soon and success in their life in soon.

They are used in graphics, especialy 3-d computer graphics and animation. They are also used to help computers solve systems of equations in many variables. Another use is in graph theory and in statistics. Matrices are used in much of science and math.