neliötaulukko

Neliötaulukko is a Finnish term that translates to "square table" or "square matrix" in English. It refers to a mathematical matrix where the number of rows is equal to the number of columns. This equality is the defining characteristic of a square matrix. If a matrix has dimensions m x n, it is a square matrix if m = n. For example, a 3x3 matrix is a square matrix, while a 2x4 matrix is not.

Square matrices are fundamental in various areas of mathematics, particularly in linear algebra. They are used to represent linear transformations from a vector space to itself. Operations such as matrix addition, subtraction, and multiplication are defined for square matrices, with specific properties arising from their equal dimensions. The determinant, trace, and eigenvalues are important concepts associated with square matrices, providing insights into their properties and the transformations they represent. Many algorithms in computer science and data analysis rely on operations involving square matrices.