An invertible matrix is a crucial concept in linear algebra, especially when discussing linear transformations. If a matrix is invertible, it means there exists another matrix, called the inverse, that when multiplied with the original matrix, results in the identity matrix. The identity matrix is like the number 1 in multiplication; it doesn’t change the vector it multiplies. For a 2x2 matrix to be invertible, its determinant must not be zero.
Let's consider a transformation represented by a matrix \( A \). This matrix is invertible if there is another matrix \( A^{-1} \) such that:
- \( A \cdot A^{-1} = I \)
- \( A^{-1} \cdot A = I \)
Where \( I \) is the identity matrix. If such a matrix \( A^{-1} \) exists, the transformation is called invertible or non-singular.