Activity Module 4: Multiplying Matrices
Welcome back! So far, we've learned how to add, subtract, and scale matrices. Today, we are going
to learn how to multiply two different matrices together. It’s a bit like a puzzle, but once you see the
pattern, it becomes second nature. Let’s start with a trip to the bakery!
Activity 1: The Zapote Market Bill
The Scenario: Two students are buying snacks at a bakery near the Zapote public market in Las
Piñas.
- Student 1 buys 3 Pan de Sal and 2 Ensaymada.
- Student 2 buys 5 Pan de Sal and 1 Ensaymada.
- The Prices: One Pan de Sal is P5, and one Ensaymada is P15.
Your Task:
Calculate the total amount each student spent.
- Total for Student 1: P________
- Total for Student 2: P________
Think About It:
How did you figure out the total for Student 1? You naturally multiplied the quantity by the price (3
pieces x P5) + (2 pieces x P15) = P15 + P30 = P45.
If we organize the quantities into a table, and the prices into a list, it looks like this:
Quantity Matrix
3 2
𝑄=[ ]
5 1
Price Matrix
5
𝑃=[ ]
15
When you took a "row" of food items and multiplied it by a "column" of prices, you just performed
Matrix Multiplication without even knowing it!
Activity 2: The Rules of Multiplication
We cannot just multiply any two matrices together. We have to follow two strict rules.
Rule 1: Dimensions and Compatibility
To multiply Matrix A by Matrix B, the number of columns in A must equal the number of rows in B.
- Visual Check: If A is m x n and B is n x p, the inside numbers (the n's) must match.
- The outside numbers (m x p) tell us the exact size of our final answer!
- Example: A (2 x 3) multiplied by B (3 x 1). The 3s match! The answer will be a (2 x 1) matrix.
Rule 2: The Process (Row by Column)
We multiply the elements of a row in the first matrix by the corresponding elements of a column in the
second matrix, and add the products together.
Teacher Tip: The "Over and Down" Method!
Use your left index finger to trace *across* the row of the first matrix, while your right index finger
traces *down* the column of the second matrix.
Activity 3: Guided Practice (Skill Builder)
Let’s work through some examples together.
Task 1: Standard 2 x 2 Multiplication
2 3 5 1
Let 𝐴 = [ ] and 𝐵 = [ ]. Find AB.
1 4 7 2
- Step 1 (Check Dimensions): 2 x 2 and 2 x 2. They match! Answer will be 2 x 2.
- Step 2 (Over and Down):
* Row 1 of A, Column 1 of B: (2 x 5) + (3 x 7) = 10 + 21 = 31
* Row 1 of A, Column 2 of B: (2 x 1) + (3 x 2) = 2 + 6 = 8
* Row 2 of A, Column 1 of B: (1 x 5) + (4 x 7) = 5 + 28 = 33
* Row 2 of A, Column 2 of B: (1 x 1) + (4 x 2) = 1 + 8 = 9
31 8
- Final Answer: 𝐴𝐵 = [ ]
33 9
Task 2: Order Matters (Non-Commutative Property)
In regular math, 3 x 4 = 12 and 4 x 3 = 12. Does AB = BA in matrices?
Try multiplying B x A using the same matrices above.
- Result: You will get BA = [11 19; 16 29].
- Conclusion: AB ≠ BA. In matrix multiplication, order matters!
Activity 4: Independent Challenge
1. Compatibility Check: Matrix X is 3 x 4 and Matrix Y is 4 x 5. Can you multiply XY? If yes, what will
be the dimensions of the resulting matrix? What if you tried to multiply YX?
2 −1 4 2
2. The Computation: Given 𝐶 = [ ]] and 𝐷 = [ ]. Calculate the product CD. (Show your
3 0 1 −3
step-by-step arithmetic for each cell!)
3. Real-World Application: A school canteen in Las Piñas sells two meal packages to Grade 11
students.
- Package A: 1 Rice, 1 Chicken, 2 Drinks.
- Package B: 2 Rice, 1 Chicken, 1 Drink.
- On Monday, they sold 30 of Package A and 40 of Package B.
- Challenge A: Construct a 1 x 2 matrix for the packages sold (Call it Matrix S).
- Challenge B: Construct a 2 x 3 matrix for the contents of the packages (Call it Matrix P).
- Challenge C: Multiply the two matrices (S x P) to find the total amount of Rice, Chicken, and Drinks
consumed that day.
Activity 5: Reflection & Closure
Values Check: Responsibility & Helpfulness
Responsibility: Matrix multiplication is unforgiving; missing a single negative sign or multiplying the
wrong row by the wrong column will make the entire resulting matrix incorrect. Taking responsibility
for the small details in our own work ensures that the "big picture" turns out right. We must be
accountable for every step.
Helpfulness: The "row-by-column" shift can be very confusing for visual learners. Demonstrate
helpfulness by actively assisting your seatmates. If a classmate is lost, reach out and guide their
fingers "over the row and down the column" until the pattern clicks!
Final Exit Ticket:
If I have a 1 x 5 matrix and I want to multiply it by another matrix, what must be true about the rows of
that second matrix? (Answer: It must have exactly 5 rows!)