Multiplication Order
As we have already mentioned, in some cases, matrix multiplication is defined for AB, but not for BA; and vice versa. However, even when matrix multiplication is possible in both directions, results may be different. That is, AB is not always equal to BA.
Because order is important, matrix algebra jargon has evolved to clearly indicate the order in which matrices are multiplied.
To describe the matrix product AB, we can say A is postmultiplied by B; or we can say that B is premultiplied by A.
Similarly, to describe the matrix product BA, we can say B is postmultiplied by A; or we can say that A is premultiplied by B.
The bottom line: when you multiply two matrices, order matters.
Identity Matrix
The identity matrix is an n x n diagonal matrix with 1's in the diagonal and zeros everywhere else. The identity matrix is denoted by I or In. Two identity matrices appear below.
I2 =
1 0
0 1
I3 =
1 0 0
0 1 0
0 0 1
The identity matrix has a unique talent. Any matrix that can be premultiplied or postmultiplied by I remains the same; that is:
AI = IA = A