Is matrixs multiplication random ?

AI Thread Summary
Matrix multiplication is not random; it follows a specific logic based on linear transformations. The formula for the product of two matrices A and B, (AB)_{ij}=\sum_{r=1}^{n}A_{ir}B_{rj}, is derived from how these transformations interact. A simple 2x2 example illustrates this, showing how the output of one transformation can be expressed in terms of the inputs of another. The relationship can be summarized as C = AB, where C represents the combined transformation. Understanding this logic clarifies why matrices are multiplied in this manner.
ManishR
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lets assume matrix A = [a]mxn and B = nxp

(AB)_{ij}=\sum_{r=1}^{n}A_{ir}B_{rj}

why is that ?

i guessed it would be

(AB)_{ij}=\sum_{r=1}^{n}A_{ir}B_{jr} where m=p.

so is there any logic behind that or its just random ?
 
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No, it isn't random. Look at a simple 2 x 2 example:

y1 = a11x1 + a12x2
y2 = a21x1 + a22x2

Now let
z1 = b11y1 + b12y2
z2 = b21y1 + b22xy2

You can write these both in matrix form y = Ax and z = By

Now solve for the z values in terms of the x values to write z = Cx.

You will see that C = BA given by the usual matrix multiplication. That is why matrices are multiplied the way they are.

[Edit] Fixed typo.
 
Last edited:
You mean C=BA, not AB.
 
LCKurtz said:
No, it isn't random. Look at a simple 2 x 2 example:

y1 = a11x1 + a12x2
y2 = a21x1 + a22x2

Now let
z1 = b11y1 + b12y2
z2 = b21y1 + b22xy2

You can write these both in matrix form y = Ax and z = By

Now solve for the z values in terms of the x values to write z = Cx.

You will see that C = AB given by the usual matrix multiplication. That is why matrices are multiplied the way they are.

You mean C=BA, not AB.
 
takahashi_s said:
You mean C=BA, not AB.

Yes, of course, thanks.
 
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