Matrix Algebra From a Statistician's Perspective

Matrix algebra plays a very important role in statistics and in many other dis- plines. In many areas of statistics, it has become routine to use matrix algebra in thepresentationandthederivationorveri?cationofresults. Onesuchareaislinear statistical models; another is multivariate analysis. In these areas, a knowledge of matrix algebra isneeded in applying important concepts, as well as instudying the underlying theory, and is even needed to use various software packages (if they are to be used with con?dence and competence). On many occasions, I have taught graduate-level courses in linear statistical models. Typically, the prerequisites for such courses include an introductory (- dergraduate) course in matrix (or linear) algebra. Also typically, the preparation provided by this prerequisite course is not fully adequate. There are several r- sons for this. The level of abstraction or generality in the matrix (or linear) algebra course may have been so high that it did not lead to a