Cracovian Algebra: An Obscure Approach to Linear Algebra
2025-06-20
This article introduces Cracovian algebra, an alternative to matrix-based linear algebra. Invented by Polish astronomer Tadeusz Banachiewicz, Cracovians use a unique multiplication rule, resulting in different outcomes compared to matrix multiplication and violating commutativity and associativity. While Cracovians offered advantages in the era of manual calculations, modern computers show no significant difference in computational efficiency between Cracovian and matrix multiplication. The author uses Python code to compare computation times, confirming this conclusion.
Misc
Cracovian algebra