Types of matrices

Let’s learn the different types of matrices

Column matrices

A column matrix only has 1 column

Example  

Example

So, column matrix is of the order m × 1

We write it as

  A = [a _ij ] _{m × 1}

Row matrices

A row matrix only has 1 row

Example

So, row matrix is of the order 1 × n

We write it as

  A = [a _ij ] _{1 × n}

Square matrix

A square matrix has equal number of rows & columns

Example

So, a square matrix is of the order m × m

We write it as

  A = [a _ij ] _{m × m}

Diagonal matrix

In A diagonal matrix, the non-diagonal of element are zero.

A diagonal matrix is possible only in a square matrix

Example

So, in a diagonal matrix

• It is should be a square matrix
• Non-diagonal elements are 0

Scalar matrix

A scalar matrix is a diagonal matrix where diagonal elements are equal

Example

So, in a scalar matrix

• It is a square matrix
• Non diagonal elements are 0
• Diagonal elements are equal

Identity matrix

An identity matrix is a diagonal matrix where all diagonal elements are 1

So, in a Identity matrix

• It is a square matrix
• Non diagonal elements are 0
• All diagonal elements are 1

Note : An identity matrix is a scalar matrix