Steven Philley
Maths Trig Linear algebra Calculus Site contents

Maths · Linear algebra · 2×2 & 2D

Matrices & vectors

Work in the plane: multiply 2×2 matrices, read determinant and inverse when it exists, add and scale vectors on a canvas, and optionally stretch by eigenvectors. Back to the maths hub.

2×2 matrix multiply

For A = [[a,b],[c,d]] and B = [[e,f],[g,h]], the product AB has entries ae+bg, af+bh; ce+dg, cf+dh. Edit either matrix; the product and a geometric view of A acting on the unit square update live.

Matrix A

Matrix B

A maps the unit square

Gray = unit square. Accent = image under A. Area scale ≈ |det A|.

2D vectors — add & scale

u + v is tip-to-tail. Drag the tips on the canvas, or edit components. Scale slider multiplies u.

Scale k on u1.00

Eigenvalues of A (optional stretch)

For 2×2 A, solve det(A − λI) = 0: λ² − (tr A)λ + det A = 0. Real eigenvalues give directions that A only stretches (not rotates). The canvas shows those axes when they are real.

Nearby

Maths hub Trigonometry Calculus Site contents

Educational 2×2 / 2D linear algebra demo — original wording of standard definitions. Not a full course.