Question Details

The matrix which follows the conditions m=n is called?

Options

A

Square matrix

B

Rectangular matrix

C

Scalar matrix

D

Diagonal matrix

Correct Answer :

Square matrix

Solution :

The correct option is Square matrix.

To understand why this is the correct answer, let us break down the definition of a matrix and its dimensions step-by-step:

1. Dimensions of a Matrix:
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns. The size or dimension of a matrix is typically written as m×n (read as "m by n"), where:
m represents the number of horizontal rows.
n represents the number of vertical columns.

2. The Condition m=n:
When the condition is given as
m=n
it means that the number of rows is exactly equal to the number of columns.

3. Defining a Square Matrix:
By mathematical definition, any matrix that has the same number of rows and columns is called a square matrix. Because its height (rows) and width (columns) are equal, its shape resembles a square. Examples include 2×2, 3×3, or k×k matrices.

4. Why other options are incorrect:
Rectangular matrix: A matrix where the number of rows is not equal to the number of columns (mn).
Diagonal matrix: A specific type of square matrix where all elements outside the main diagonal are zero. While it requires m=n, it has additional strict conditions on its elements.
Scalar matrix: A specific type of diagonal matrix where all diagonal elements are equal. Like the diagonal matrix, it has extra conditions beyond just m=n.

Therefore, the most general term for any matrix satisfying m=n is a Square matrix.

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