(i) Rows show the marks obtained by each student.
(ii) The columns show the marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology obtained by each student.(iii) The same data can be represented in a rectangular pattern by omitting the headings as given below:
This pattern is generally referred to as 'rectangular array'. It consists of four rows and three columns. It will be seen later on, that this array is called a 4 x 3 (to be read as 4 by 3) matrix.
(iv) The data is put in box brackets to indicate that the whole pattern is to be considered together.(v) You will notice that the marks obtained by Carl in Chemistry are placed in third row and second column (2 marks).
Definition of Matrix
It is a rectangular array of numbers, arranged in rows and columns.
The number of rows (say m) and the number of columns (say n) determine the order of the matrix.It is written as m x n (to be read as m by n).
The plural of matrix is matrices. Matrix is usually denoted by capital letters such as A, B, C,…The above matrix has four rows and three columns. It is called 4 x 3 matrix.
Number of rows x Number of columns indicate the order of a matrix.Examples of Types of Matrices
is a 2 x 2 matrix. It is also called square matrix of order 2.
is a 3 x 1 matrix. It is called a column matrix.
is not a matrix because column three is incomplete.
is a 2 x 3 matrix. It is called a zero matrix or a null matrix.
