Flexible, affordable statistics education.
Designed to help you master the software you need to enhance your skills and the practical experience you need to get ahead.
Designed to help you master the software you need to enhance your skills and the practical experience you need to get ahead.

Matrix Algebra Review
taught by Robert LaBudde
This course will provide the basics of vector and matrix algebra and operations necessary to understand multivariate statistical methods, including the notions of the matrix inverse, generalized inverse and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. After successfully completing this course, you will be able to use and understand vector and matrix operations and equations, find and use a matrix inverse, and use and understand the eigenset of a symmetric matrix.
Instructor(s):Matrix algebra is used heavily in multivariate statistics, and the theory behind many statistical modeling procedures. Matrix notation is used even more widely. If you are interested in taking courses in multivariate statistics, modeling, design of experiments, data mining or other topics involving multivariate data and need a refresher in, or introduction to matrix methods, you should take this course.
Dates:Add $50 service fee if you require a prior invoice, or if you need to submit a purchase order or voucher, pay by wire transfer or EFT, or refund and reprocess a prior payment. Please use this printed registration form, for these and other special orders.
Courses may fill up at any time and registrations are processed in the order in which they are received. Your registration will be confirmed for the first available course date, unless you specify otherwise. Multiple course registrations may be entitled to tuition discounts; read more.
Matrix Algebra Review
taught by Robert LaBudde
Statistics deals with collections of data organized in 1, 2, 3 or more dimensions. Compactly representing such data is best accomplished by the use of matrix notation, particularly when solutions to optimization (e.g., regression) or estimating (i.e, models) are involved. This course will provide the basics of vector and matrix algebra and operations necessary to understand multivariate statistical methods, including the notions of the matrix inverse, generalized inverse and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. After successfully completing this course, you will be able to use and understand vector and matrix operations and equations, find and use a matrix inverse, and use and understand the eigenset of a symmetric matrix.
Prerequisite(s):If you are unclear as to whether you have mastered the requirements, try these placement tests here.
The math level is basic algebra. The additional preparation found in Introduction to Statistics 3: Regression and ANOVA is also helpful.
Homework in this course consists of guided numerical problems to test the concepts.
Organization of the Course:This course takes place over the internet at the Institute for 4 weeks. During each course week, you participate at times of your own choosing - there are no set times when you must be online. Course participants will be given access to a private discussion board. In class discussions led by the instructor, you can post questions, seek clarification, and interact with your fellow students and the instructor.
The course typically requires 15 hours per week. At the beginning of each week, you receive the relevant material, in addition to answers to exercises from the previous session. During the week, you are expected to go over the course materials, work through exercises, and submit answers. Discussion among participants is encouraged. The instructor will provide answers and comments, and at the end of the week, you will receive individual feedback on your homework answers.
The required text is Matrix Algebra: An Introduction by Krishnan Namboodiri from Sage, which you can purchase here. Sage Publication offers discounts to students at statistics.com for many of their titles when the code S06SC is used during checkout on their website (the 0 is a zero not an alphabetical O). PLEASE ORDER YOUR COPY IN TIME FOR THE COURSE STARTING DATE. (If you are located in Asia, the web procedure for your location may not accept this discount -- try calling your regional Sage representative.)
Software:There is no requirement for software in this course, and all of the assignments can be done by hand. However, the text illustrates some examples using SAS, and the course notes using Microsoft Excel and R.
Matrix Algebra Review
taught by Robert LaBudde