A Hilbert matrix is a special type of matrix that mathematicians use in certain kinds of calculations. It is a square matrix where each number is equal to the sum of the row number and column number of the element. For example, if you had a Hilbert matrix with 4 rows and 4 columns, the top left corner element would be 1 = 0 + 1. The one below it would be 2 = 1 + 1 and so on.