The Matrix Arcade: A Visual Explorable of Matrix Transformations

Abstract

Linear algebra and matrix computations are often presented in math class as an array of inane formulas and calculations to drill and memorize. This explorable explainer attempts to present a deeper and more visual intuition behind what matrices represent. It experiments with a different kind of medium to present concepts to the reader. Animations of visuals are tied to the reader’s scroll, allowing fine-grained control over more complex transitions. The piece also concludes with an interactive sandbox that readers can fiddle around with to reinforce their understanding and to challenge their intuitions. Readers can adjust the values of the input matrix even in three dimensions, and observe its result on the linear transformation on different kinds of objects – such as points in space, vectors, and even images and 3D models. https://yizhe-ang.github.io/matrix-explorable/