Question

A matrix that has the same number of rows as columns is called a(n) ____________ matrix.

Short answer

square

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

Identify what the exercise is asking for. We need to determine the term for a matrix that has an equal number of rows and columns.

Recall Matrix Terminology

Remember common types of matrices from matrix theory. The term for a matrix with the same number of rows and columns is important to recall.

Identify the Term

A matrix that has the same number of rows and columns is called a 'square matrix'.

Verify

Double-check the definition of a square matrix to ensure it matches the problem statement.

Key concepts

Matrix Theory

Matrix theory is a branch of mathematics focused on the study of matrices. Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers, symbols, or expressions arranged in rows and columns. They are widely used in fields such as physics, computer science, and statistics to solve various problems.
The size or dimension of a matrix is determined by the number of rows and columns it contains. Matrices can be added, subtracted, and multiplied by following specific rules.
Matrix theory also involves various properties and operations, such as the determinant, inverse, and transpose of a matrix. These properties are essential for understanding more complex concepts like eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Square Matrix Definition

A square matrix is a type of matrix where the number of rows is equal to the number of columns. For example, a 3x3 matrix has three rows and three columns. Square matrices are significant because they have special properties that do not apply to other types of matrices.
One important property of square matrices is the ability to compute the determinant, a scalar value that provides important information about the matrix. Square matrices are also required for certain operations, such as finding the inverse of a matrix, which is applicable only in the case of non-singular (invertible) square matrices.
Another notable aspect of square matrices is that they can be symmetric or skew-symmetric. A symmetric square matrix is equal to its transpose, while a skew-symmetric matrix is equal to the negative of its transpose.

Types of Matrices

There are various types of matrices, each serving different purposes in mathematical computations:

• Row matrix: A matrix with only one row.
• Column matrix: A matrix with only one column.
• Diagonal matrix: A square matrix with non-zero elements only on the diagonal.
• Identity matrix: A diagonal matrix where all diagonal elements are equal to one. It acts as the multiplicative identity in matrix multiplication.
• Zero matrix: A matrix where all elements are zero.
• Transpose matrix: A matrix obtained by swapping rows with columns of the original matrix.
• Symmetric matrix: A matrix that is equal to its transpose.
• Skew-symmetric matrix: A matrix that is equal to the negative of its transpose.

Understanding these types helps in solving various mathematical problems efficiently.