Types of matrices

The entries (or elements) are arranged in rows and columns for expressing them in matrix form. The arrangement possibly forms either a rectangle and square. Hence, the matrices are basically classified into two types.

1. Square matrix
2. Rectangular matrix

Let’s start to learn each type of matrix with understandable examples.

Square matrix

The arrangement of elements in a case forms a square shape in a matrix.

${\begin{bmatrix} 2 & 9 & 1 & 3 \\ 7 & 1 & 0 & 5 \\ 6 & 8 & 2 & 6 \\ 0 & 6 & 3 & 5 \\ \end{bmatrix}}$

It is possible if the number of elements in a row is exactly equal to the number of elements in a column. Hence, the matrix is called a square matrix.

Rectangular matrix

The arrangement of elements in the remaining case forms a rectangle shape in a matrix.

${\begin{bmatrix} 8 & 0 & 4 & 2 \\ 6 & 2 & 3 & 8 \\ 7 & 4 & 5 & 1 \\ \end{bmatrix}}$

It is possible when the number of elements in a row is not equal to the number of elements in a column. Hence, the matrix is called a rectangular matrix.

In mathematics, there are two types of rectangular matrices. Let’s learn both types of rectangular matrices with some understandable examples.

1. Row matrix
2. Column matrix