3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development, 2nd Edition

4

Introduction to Matrices

Unfortunately, no one can be told what the matrix is.You have to see it for yourself.

— Morpheus in The Matrix (1999)

Matrices are of fundamental importance in 3D math, where they are primarily used to describe the relationship between two coordinate spaces. They do this by defining a computation to transform vectors from one coordinate space to another.

This chapter introduces the theory and application of matrices. Our discussion will follow the pattern set in Chapter 2 when we introduced vectors: mathematical definitions followed by geometric interpretations.

• Section 4.1 discusses some of the basic properties and operations of matrices strictly from a mathematical perspective. (More matrix operations are discussed ...