ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Semi-orthogonal matrix

Okay kiddo, let me explain what a semi-orthogonal matrix is. First, let's start with what a matrix is. A matrix is like a grid or a table full of numbers that can help us do some calculations.

Now, when we talk about semi-orthogonal matrices, it means that this special kind of matrix has some properties similar to an orthogonal matrix. An orthogonal matrix is a matrix where all the columns are perpendicular to each other and have the same length.

A semi-orthogonal matrix is a matrix that has some columns that are perpendicular to each other and have the same length, but not all of them. This means that some of its columns might not be perpendicular to each other or have different lengths, but there is still some sort of similarity to an orthogonal matrix.

Why is this important? Well, semi-orthogonal matrices are used in a lot of different fields like engineering, physics, and computer science. They can help us solve problems and do calculations in a more efficient way.

So there you have it, a semi-orthogonal matrix is a special kind of matrix that has some similarities to an orthogonal matrix, but not all of its columns are perpendicular to each other or have the same length.