CBSE Class 12 Mathematics – Matrices

Chapter Overview

The chapter ‘Matrices’ introduces students to an essential concept in algebra that simplifies complex systems and transformations. It covers the definition, types, and operations of matrices, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and scalar operations. The chapter also includes special matrices like identity and zero matrices, properties of matrix operations, and the concept of the transpose, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices. These concepts are foundational in solving systems of linear equations and performing linear transformations in higher mathematics and real-world applications like computer graphics, physics, and engineering.

Important Keywords

• Matrix: A rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns.
• Order of Matrix: The size of a matrix described by the number of rows × number of columns (m × n).
• Square Matrix: A matrix with the same number of rows and columns (n × n).
• Diagonal Matrix: A square matrix with all non-diagonal elements zero.
• Scalar Matrix: A diagonal matrix with equal diagonal elements.
• Identity Matrix (I): A square matrix with 1’s on the diagonal and 0’s elsewhere.
• Zero Matrix: A matrix with all elements equal to 0.
• Transpose (Aᵗ): A matrix obtained by interchanging rows and columns.
• Symmetric Matrix: A matrix that is equal to its transpose (A = Aᵗ).
• Skew-Symmetric Matrix: A matrix where Aᵗ = -A.