Talk:Matrix

Perhaps it should be mentioned that a matrix that has dimensions 1Xn or nX1 is also a vector? Also, I've seen (and used elsewhere in Wikipedia) the notation A transpose = A^T. The text book used a sans-serif T, but it was just a T nonetheless. Should we mention this alternate notation?

---

A matrix is also a part of mitochondria.

---

I got lost when the m by p matrix was not explained. What's the p?

---

Shouldn't the part about matrix theory be at Matrix theory? Jeronimo

---

I have a question about the new intro: is it really true that tables containing birth dates and names, i.e. spreadsheets, are called matrices? Most people seem to call those "tables", and reserve the word "matrix" for tables containing numbers. AxelBoldt 21:51 Oct 4, 2002 (UTC)

I agree with you, Axel. The term "matrix" was originally coined specifically in maths (can;t remember if I've already put that in the article... ) -- Tarquin 09:58 Oct 5, 2002 (UTC)

Are there no unabridged dictionaries where you people are? Not only does the word "matrix" have meanings in many different fields (including biology, geology, and printing) besides generally meaning a table of data, but even in the field of math it isn't always a table of numbers: In statistics it often means a table of descriptive data (when you're doing significance tests or other comparisons) like straight/curly or blue/brown/green. The word derives from "mother" (by way of "uterus") and means any substance or framework for holding the object of interest, including a table of data. According to my Latin dictionary, the equivalent of the English "matrix" is "forma", which has -- guess what -- the same meaning as the word "matrix" in English: a mold or framework for shaping something or an outline or diagram of info. -- isis 12:28 Oct 10, 2002 (UTC)

The Bantam Medical Dictionary (©1981):
"matrix n. the substance of a tissue or organ in which more specialized structures are embedded; for example the ground substance of connective tissue."

Dictionary of Geological Terms (©1957):
"matrix 1. In a rock in which certain grains are much larger than the others, the grains of smaller size comprise the matrix. The groundmass of porphyritic igneous rocks. 2. The natural material in which any metal, fossil, pebble, crystal, etc., is embedded."

The New American Computer Dictionary (©1983):
"matrix A conceptualized array of numerous items of related information, arranged by rows and columns. Each individual element is indexed by the use of subscripts indicating its row and column numbers."
"array An organized collection of data arranged in rows and columns for ease in indexing. An individual item can be referenced (read or written) by specifying the name of the array and the row and column numbers of the item. Most high-level programming languages provide such a facility. Interchangeable with matrix."

These sources may be outdated, but I submit they were accurate at the time they were published. Therefore you may be able to convince me nobody but me uses the word "matrix" these ways anymore, but you'll never convince me the only meaning "matrix" has had in recent memory is "rectangular table of numbers.” -- isis 13:06 Oct 10, 2002 (UTC)

---

We need to rearrange this article. First, just as Isis says, it is too mathematical-oriented. Second, it failed to mention matrices over ring, which is also a very important mathematical branch. Wshun

Rearrangement is done. The original long mathematics section is moved to Matrix (Mathematics). It would be nice if somebody could add more about matrix in other fields. Wshun

--- The identity matrix is not a matrix, yet it is forwarded to just Matrix. Mattsm 07:01 Jan 7, 2003 (UTC)