Understanding Matrix Definitions
Uploaded by
Stephen KirkupUnderstanding Matrix Definitions
Uploaded by
Stephen Kirkup[Link].
info
Matrix Definitions
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers enclosed by a pair of brackets. The
brackets may be square [] or rounded ().
2 −1 2 3 0
For example (1 3 ) and [−1 1 −2] are matrices.
4 −2 −3 0 1
Dimensions: Rows and Columns
A matrix has a number of rows and columns.
2 −1
For example, (1 3 ) has three rows and two columns
4 −2
2 3 0
and [−1 1 −2] has three rows and three columns.
−3 0 1
The rows×columns defines the dimensions of a matrix.
2 −1
For example (1 3 ) has dimensions 3 × 2 and can be called a 3 × 2 matrix.
4 −2
2 3 0
and [−1 1 −2] has dimensions 3 × 3 and can be called a 3 × 3 matrix.
−3 0 1
Vectors
Matrices with just one column (or just one row) are called vectors.
2 2
For example ( ) and [0 −2 3] are vectors; ( ) is said to be a column
−1 −1
vector and [0 −2 3] is said to be a row vector.
Notation
A matrix or vector can be abbreviated by writing them simply as a letter. For a
matrix it is conventional to use a capital letter. For a vector it is conventional to
use an underlined or bold small letter.
2 −1
2
For example we may write 𝐴 = (1 3 ) or 𝑥 = ( ).
−1
4 −2
[Link]
For the remainder of this work, we will use rounded brackets and use small
letters underlined to denote vectors.
The elements of a vector or matrix can be uniquely addressed using indices.
𝑎11 𝑎12
𝑥1
For example 𝑥 = (𝑥 ) , 𝑦 =[𝑦1 𝑦2 𝑦3 ] and 𝐴 = (𝑎21 𝑎22 ).
2
𝑎31 𝑎32
Square and diagonal matrices
A matrix with the same number of rows as columns is said to be a square matrix.
2 3 0
For example (−1 1 −2) is a square matrix.
−3 0 1
A square matrix that is zero everywhere apart from on the diagonal is said to be
a diagonal matrix.
2 0 0
For example (0 1 0)is a diagonal matrix.
0 0 1
The transpose of a matrix
By reflecting a matrix across the diagonal we obtain its transpose and is denoted
by a T superscript.
2 3 0 2 −1 −3
For example the transpose of 𝐵 = (−1 1 −2) is 𝐵 = (3
𝑇
1 0)
−3 0 1 0 −2 1
2 −1
2 1 4
and the transpose of 𝐴 = (1 3 ) is 𝐴𝑇 = ( ).
−1 3 2
4 −2
Further Work and Exercises
The accompanying worksheet1 has exercises on matrix definitions. The
worksheet by PPlato2 provides further information and exercises on matrix
definitions. Mathcentre includes an introduction the matrices3 and further
explanation and exercises4.
1
Matrix Definitions (Exercises)
2
Matrices (Pplato)
3
Matrices - what is a matrix? (Mathcentre)
4
Symmetric matrices and the transpose of a matrix