Skill: Determine the dimensions of a matrix product

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

For finite matrices, the product of an m×nm \times n matrix and an r×pr \times p matrix is defined only when the inner dimensions agree, n=rn=r; the resulting matrix has dimensions m×pm \times p. The shared dimension governs whether multiplication is possible, while the outer dimensions determine the product’s size, independently of the matrix entries; block-matrix and other generalized product settings are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Determine the dimensions of a matrix product

To determine the dimensions of a matrix product, compare the inner dimensions. The product is defined only if they match. If they do, the outer dimensions give the size of the result.

For example, suppose AA is a 3×43 \times 4 matrix and BB is a 4×24 \times 2 matrix. In the product ABAB:

  1. Write the dimensions in order: (3×4)(4×2)(3 \times 4)(4 \times 2).
  2. Check the inner dimensions: 44 and 44 match, so the product is defined.
  3. Read the outer dimensions: 33 and 22.

Therefore, ABAB has dimensions 3×23 \times 2. The entries of the matrices do not affect this dimension check.

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Matrices - Multiply - Two Matrices to Product Dimensions


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