Composition of binary integral quadratic forms via integral 2 × 2 matrices and composition of matrix classes

A treatment by integral matrices is given for composition of pairs of integral quadratic forms with the same discriminant. The forms are associated with a pair of similar 2 × 2 matrices AB with irrational eigen values which generate the maximal order. The most general integral similarity between AB is given by a matrix whose entries are linear forms in two indeterminates with integral coefficients. This matrix is a "compositum" of two factors of the same nature. By equating determinants a composition of two quadratic forms results. The method can be generalized to n × n matrices.