Matrix Algebra 101 · On-demand course for beginners
Matrix Algebra 101: an introduction to matrices, their terminology and how they represent data
A recorded introduction to matrix algebra from MCC Economics. It explains why matrices are worth learning, sets out the terminology used to describe them and shows how data and equations are represented as matrices.
Matrix Algebra 101 is part of MCC Economics' quantitative methods series, which covers the mathematics behind economic and financial modelling.
Course lead
Warwick Anderson
Associate Director, MCC Economics
Warwick applied economics for many years as a senior executive in the Australian Government. At MCC he has supported the Australian Energy Regulator on its 2022 Rate of Return Instrument and co-authored Cost of Capital in Regulation: 10 Hot Topics.
Former senior executive, Australian Government
Cost of capital and regulatory allowances for utilities
Matrix Algebra 101 is an on-demand introduction to matrices. It explains why matrices are used, the terminology that describes them, such as rows, columns, elements and order, and how data and equations are written in matrix form. It is the first course in the series, and you get the video lecture, slides, a quiz and a transcript as soon as you buy.
Key takeaways
A matrix is a rectangular grid of numbers arranged in rows and columns.
Matrices let you handle many numbers at once, which is why they sit behind econometrics and financial models.
Knowing the terminology makes later topics, such as determinants and inverses, much easier to follow.
It is recorded, with no live session, and access starts immediately after purchase.
What will you be able to do after the course?
You will be able to read and describe a matrix with confidence. The course is built around three outcomes.
Explain why matrices matter. Understand what matrices are used for and why they are worth learning.
Use the terminology. Describe a matrix by its rows, columns, elements and order.
Represent data and equations. Write information in matrix form, ready for the techniques in Matrix Algebra 105 and 110.
What does the course cover?
The lecture follows the published agenda, and a quiz at the end tests your understanding.
Introduction and guest speaker
Why learn matrices?: what matrices are used for and why they matter
Matrices: terminology, then representation: how information is written as a matrix
What do the key terms mean?
These are terms you will meet in the course, in plain English.
Term
Meaning
Matrix
A rectangular grid of numbers arranged in rows and columns.
Row and column
A row runs across the matrix and a column runs down it.
Element
A single number in a matrix, identified by its row and column. In matrix A, a₂₃ is the element in row 2, column 3.
Order
The size of a matrix, given as rows by columns. A 2 × 3 matrix has two rows and three columns.
Square matrix
A matrix with the same number of rows and columns.
Vector
A matrix with a single row or a single column.
Who is the course for?
It suits anyone who needs a clear starting point on matrices, including people returning to mathematics after a break.
Students in mathematics and economics
Professionals refreshing their maths
Anyone wanting a firmer grasp of matrix algebra
Decision makers who use mathematical tools
Which courses should you take first?
Matrix Algebra 101 is the first course in MCC's on-demand matrix algebra series. It leads on to special matrices and determinants in 105, solving linear systems in 110 and regression in Econometrics 101.
MCC Economics is an independent consultancy, founded in London in 2017, that provides economic and financial analysis to governments, regulators and businesses. Its research and data analysis and financial modelling work relies on the quantitative methods taught in this series. Meet the team on the people page.
I was delighted that MCC's work was completed on time, and within budget, helping us deliver important changes and improvements, to the benefit of our stakeholders.
Bea Natzler, Team Leader, Climate Change Committee, UK
Questions buyers ask before registering
Who teaches Matrix Algebra 101?
See the instructor profiles near the top of this page for the current teaching team.
Is there a live session?
No. Matrix Algebra 101 is available on demand only and no meeting is held. You work through the recorded material at your own pace.
What do I get when I buy?
The video lecture, the slides, a quiz and a full transcript.
When can I start?
Straight away. Access to all course materials is given as soon as the order is placed.
What is a matrix?
A matrix is a rectangular grid of numbers arranged in rows and columns. Its order gives the number of rows first and columns second, so a 2 × 3 matrix has two rows and three columns.
Why learn matrices?
Matrices let you store and work with many numbers at once. They are the basis of the methods used in econometrics, financial modelling and data analysis.
How much does it cost?
The MCC Economics courses page lists Matrix Algebra 101 from £32.68. The final price is shown at checkout on Eventbrite.
Can my team take the course together?
Contact MCC Economics through the consultation page to discuss places for a team or training tailored to your organisation.
.png)
