That's right! Matrices aren't just for torturing algebra students!  They actually describe things and enable you to calculate useful results!

Study the use of matrices as they are used in optics.  Calculate the matrix equations for a system of two or more lenses, and set up the actual lenses to test the matrix predictions.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/geoopt/mat2.html
Last modified: Tuesday, 26 June 2012, 5:39 PM