What is the correct way to multiply matrices?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of multiplying matrices, specifically in the context of trigonometric functions involved in the matrices. Participants are exploring the multiplication of two matrices that include terms related to cosine and sine, and they are questioning the correctness of the results obtained.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over obtaining more terms than expected in their matrix multiplication and seeks clarification on their approach.
  • Another participant suggests that terms may not be canceling out and recommends using trigonometric identities to simplify the expressions.
  • A question is raised regarding the notation used for cosine and sine, specifically what c1 and c2 represent in the context of the matrices.
  • One participant mentions using Mathematica's FullSimplify function to achieve the desired results, indicating that the issue may lie in the application of trigonometric identities, particularly in the multiplication of 2D rotation matrices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the correct approach to matrix multiplication, as there are differing views on the interpretation of terms and the use of trigonometric identities.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of terms like c1 and c2, as well as the specific trigonometric identities that may apply to the matrices being multiplied. The discussion reflects a need for clarity on notation and the assumptions underlying the matrix operations.

i.l
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey,

When trying to multiply the 2 attached matrixes (row X column) I get a much more terms then the attached answer.
C is for cos and s for sin.
What am I doing wrong?
Regards,
i.l
 

Attachments

  • matrix.JPG
    matrix.JPG
    12.9 KB · Views: 422
Physics news on Phys.org
You mean you don't have terms canceling out?

I suggest working carefully and invoking some trigonometric identities.
 
I get it that c stands for cosine and s stands for sine, but what does c1 mean? Cosine of what? Sine of what?

In one of your multiplications you have c1 in one matrix and c2 in the other, and you wrote the product as c12. What does that mean?
 
Simply typing it into Mathematica and using FullSimplify gets the results that you want. It is merely a combination of trig identities - namely the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_trigonometric_identities#Angle_sum_and_difference_identities".

The tricky bit is in the top 2*2 block - I suggest you look at the math for multiplying 2d rotation matrices.

[tex]A(\text{x$\_$})\text{:=}\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cccc}<br /> \cos (x) & -\sin (x) & 0 & a(x) \cos (x) \\<br /> \sin (x) & \cos (x) & 0 & a(x) \sin (x) \\<br /> 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\<br /> 0 & 0 & 0 & 1<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

[tex]A(x).A(y)=\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cccc}<br /> \cos (x+y) & -\sin (x+y) & 0 & a(x) \cos (x)+a(y) \cos (x+y) \\<br /> \sin (x+y) & \cos (x+y) & 0 & a(x) \sin (x)+a(y) \sin (x+y) \\<br /> 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\<br /> 0 & 0 & 0 & 1<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K