Wize University Linear Algebra Textbook > Matrices
Matrix Multiplication
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Matrix Multiplication
To multiply two matrices, their dimensions must be compatible.
The product exists only if the number of columns in matrix is equal to the number of rows in matrix .
If matrix is of size , and matrix is of size , the product will be of size:
Wize Tip
Think of the "inner dimensions" as matching and cancelling.
If they don't match, the matrices cannot be multiplied (incompatible)!
Multiplying Matrices
The -entry of the product is the dot product of row of matrix with column of matrix :
Example
Consider the rows of the first matrix and the columns of the second matrix.
Take the dot product of each of these pairs of rows and columns:
Properties of Matrix Multiplication
Watch Out!
In general:
The order in which we write the matrices matters!
Note: If , it does not necessarily mean that or is the zero matrix!
Matrix Powers
Just like with real numbers, we can multiply a square matrix by itself, raising it to the power of some integer .
Properties
Watch Out!
Since matrix multiplication is not commutative, powers do not distribute over matrix multiplication:

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Example: Matrix Multiplication Criteria
Given that is , is , is , and is , which of the following operations are defined?
A)
Well-defined. The result is a matrix of size .
B)
Not defined since the inner dimensions do not match: .
C)
Well-defined. The result is a matrix of size .

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Example: Matrix Multiplication
Compute the products and given the following matrices:
,
Note that is and is , so the product is well-defined and is of size .
The product is also well-defined, and will be of size .
Practice: Matrix Multiplication
Compute .
Given the matrix , find for any integer .
Practice: Matrix Multiplication
Compute .