Matrix Algebra Review

Matrix Algebra: A Review Section

The Prerequisites Checklist page on the Department of Statistics website lists a number of courses that require a working knowledge of Matrix algebra as a prerequisite. Students who do not have this foundation or have not reviewed this material within the past couple of years will struggle with the concepts and methods that build on this foundation. The courses that require this foundation include:

  • STAT 414 - Introduction to Probability Theory
  • STAT 501 - Regression Methods
  • STAT 504 - Analysis of Discrete Data
  • STAT 505 - Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Review Materials

Many of our returning, working professional students report that they had taken courses that included matrix algebra topics but often these courses were taken a number of years ago. As a means of helping students assess whether or not what they currently know and can do will meet the expectations of instructors in the courses above, the online program has put together a brief review of these concepts and methods. This is then followed by a short self-assessment exam that will help give you an idea if you still have the necessary background.

Self-Assessment Procedure

  1. Review the concepts and methods on the pages in this section of this website. Note the courses that certain sections are aligned with as prerequisites:
      STAT 414 STAT 501 STAT 504 STAT 505
    M.1 - Matrix Definitions  Required  Required  Required Required
    M.2 - Matrix Arithmetic  Required  Required  Required Required
    M.3 - Matrix Properties  Required  Required  Required Required
    M.4 - Matrix Inverse  Required  Required  Required Required
    M.5 - Advanced Topics  Recommended  Recommended  Recommended 5.1, 5.4, Required
    5.2, 5.3, Recommended
  2. Download and complete the Self-Assessment Exam
  3. Review the Self-Assessment Exam Solutions and determine your score.

Students who score below 70% (fewer than 21 questions correct) should consider further review of these materials and are strongly encouraged to take a course like MATH 220 or an equivalent course at a local college or community college.

If you have struggled with the concepts and methods that are presented here, you will indeed struggle in the courses above that expect this foundation.