Education Technology


Matrices Act 2

Activity Overview

This self-directed task uses the CAS functionality of TI-nspire to determine rules for multiplying matrices with varying dimensions, including exploration of the commutative law for multiplication. A Power Point presentation is also provided for teachers to illustrate or review the multiplication steps for 2 x 2 matrices.

Objectives

  • Multiply matrices with varying dimensions including the associated row and column dimensions.
  • Understand that the order in which matrices are multiplied is important.

Vocabulary

Commutative law, dimensions, matrix

About the Lesson

In this activity students define a number of matrices consisting of variables so that when the matrices are multiplied result in each element of the matrix provides the general rule. The task contains the appropriate calculator instructions followed by a series of scaffolded questions to guide students through the investigation. This activity serves to compliment Matrices Act 1.
The task does not contain any contextual questions or references to inverse matrices.