Q.Construct a 2×2 matrix where
Concept understanding — Matrix Construction
Matrix Construction: Building a Grid of Numbers
A teacher recording attendance for 30 students over 5 days could keep separate lists — but that is messy. Instead, draw a grid: rows for students, columns for days, each cell a 1 (present) or 0 (absent). That grid is a matrix. Constructing a matrix means deciding its shape and what number sits in each cell.
Why a Grid?
Every cell of a matrix has a unique address (i,j) — row i, column j — so the entry in row 2, column 3 is written a23. A grid beats a plain list because so many problems have two natural dimensions: a system of equations (equation × variable), a digital image (row × column of pixels), or a network (source node × destination node). The grid lets operations act on both dimensions at once.
The Precise Form
A matrix A of order m×n ("m by n") has m rows and n columns:
A=a11a21⋮am1a12a22⋮am2⋯⋯⋱⋯a1na2n⋮amn,A=[aij]m×n.
Each aij is an entry: the first index i is the row, the second j is the column.
How You Construct One
To build a matrix you specify:
- Dimensions — how many rows m and columns n.
- Entry rule — what number fills each cell: an explicit list, a formula in i and j, or data from a problem.
- Placement — order matters; swapping rows or columns gives a different matrix.
Explicit: a 2×3 matrix with rows (1,0,−2) and (3,5,7) is
A=(1305−27).
Formula-based: for a 3×3 matrix with aij=i2−j, we get a11=0, a12=−1, a21=3, giving
A=038−127−216.
Do not confuse aij with aji. The first index is always the row, the second the column — so a23 is row 2, column 3.
A matrix is not just a set of numbers — it is an ordered arrangement. The same numbers placed differently give a different matrix. When a problem says "construct A=[aij] where aij=…", fix the dimensions first, then fill the cells one by one using the rule.
Constructing a matrix from a given formula for its entries, such as aᵢⱼ = i² − j, is a standard NCERT exercise type in the CBSE Class 12 Matrices chapter, and "construct a 3x3 matrix whose elements are given by formula" is a frequently searched question format. This skill is regularly tested in board exams as a straightforward, formula-substitution-based question.
Concept: Matrix Construction — each entry aij is computed by substituting the row number i and column number j into the given formula.
(i) aij=2(i−2j)2
- For i=1,j=1: 2(1−2)2=21
- For i=1,j=2: 2(1−4)2=29
- For i=2,j=1: 2(2−2)2=0
- For i=2,j=2: 2(2−4)2=24=2
The matrix is (210292).
(ii) aij=∣−2i+3j∣
- i=1,j=1: ∣−2+3∣=1
- i=1,j=2: ∣−2+6∣=4
- i=2,j=1: ∣−4+3∣=1
- i=2,j=2: ∣−4+6∣=2
The matrix is (1142).
Evaluate each formula at (i,j)=(1,1),(1,2),(2,1),(2,2). Part (i): (210292). Part (ii): (1142).
A 2×2 matrix has entries aij where i is the row (1,2) and j is the column (1,2). We simply substitute each (i,j) into the given rule.
Part (i): aij=2(i−2j)2
a11=2(1−2)2=21,a12=2(1−4)2=29,
a21=2(2−2)2=0,a22=2(2−4)2=24=2.
A=(210292).
Part (ii): aij=∣−2i+3j∣
a11=∣−2+3∣=1,a12=∣−2+6∣=4,
a21=∣−4+3∣=∣−1∣=1,a22=∣−4+6∣=2.
A=(1142).
(i) (210292) and (ii) (1142).
Method: Constructing a matrix from a formula aij=f(i,j)
Use this whenever the entries are given by a rule in the row index i and column index j.
Steps
Step 1: Fix the shape.
A 2×2 matrix means i∈{1,2} and j∈{1,2}; list the four (i,j) pairs before substituting.
Step 2: Substitute carefully.
Plug each (i,j) into f(i,j), respecting the exact operations — square after forming (i−2j), and apply the absolute value after computing −2i+3j.
Step 3: Place each value at row i, column j.
A=[a11a21a12a22].
Do not swap i and j, or the matrix comes out transposed.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Mishandling the square in 2(i−2j)2.
Why it's wrong: you must form (i−2j) first, square it, then halve — e.g. for i=1,j=2, (1−4)2/2=9/2, not (1−4)/2 squared incorrectly. Correct approach: follow the bracket-square-divide order.
Mistake 2: Dropping the absolute value in ∣−2i+3j∣.
Why it's wrong: for i=2,j=1, −2(2)+3(1)=−1, and ∣−1∣=1, not −1. Correct approach: take the modulus after computing the inside.
Mistake 3: Swapping i and j.
Why it's wrong: this transposes the matrix, sending a12 to the a21 slot. Correct approach: keep i as the row and j as the column.
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- CBSE 2020Set 65/3/11 markQ.Construct a 2×2 matrix A=[aij] whose elements are given by aij=∣(i)2−j∣.
›Reveal solutionSolution
To construct a 2×2 matrix A=[aij] with elements aij=∣(i)2−j∣, we calculate each element by substituting its row (i) and column (j) indices into the given formula. The resulting matrix is (0312).
When we talk about constructing a matrix, especially when its elements are defined by a rule, we are essentially given a blueprint for how each entry in the matrix should be calculated. A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers, and each number's position is uniquely identified by its row and column indices.
For a matrix A=[aij], the subscript i always refers to the row number, and j refers to the column number. So, a12 means the element in the first row and second column, and a21 means the element in the second row and first column. The problem specifies a 2×2 matrix, which means it has 2 rows and 2 columns. This tells us exactly how many elements we need to calculate and where each one belongs.
The rule aij=∣(i)2−j∣ provides a formula to find the value of any element aij once we know its row (i) and column (j). The absolute value function, denoted by ∣⋅∣, means we take the positive value of the expression inside it. For example, ∣−3∣=3 and ∣5∣=5.
Let's construct the matrix step by step.
- Understand the structure of a 2×2 matrix: A general 2×2 matrix A looks like this:
A=(a11a21a12a22)
Here, $i$ can take values $1, 2$ (for rows) and $j$ can take values $1, 2$ (for columns). We need to calculate each of these four elements using the given rule $a_{ij} = |(i)^2 - j|$.2. Calculate the element a11:
For a11, we have i=1 and j=1. Substitute these values into the formula:
a11=∣(1)2−1∣=∣1−1∣=∣0∣=0
- Calculate the element a12: For a12, we have i=1 and j=2. Substitute these values into the formula:
a12=∣(1)2−2∣=∣1−2∣=∣−1∣=1
- Calculate the element a21: For a21, we have i=2 and j=1. Substitute these values into the formula:
a21=∣(2)2−1∣=∣4−1∣=∣3∣=3
- Calculate the element a22: For a22, we have i=2 and j=2. Substitute these values into the formula:
a22=∣(2)2−2∣=∣4−2∣=∣2∣=2
- Assemble the matrix: Now that we have calculated all four elements, we place them into their respective positions in the 2×2 matrix:
A=(a11a21a12a22)=(0312)
✓Final answerThe 2×2 matrix A whose elements are given by aij=∣(i)2−j∣ is (0312).
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Construct a 2×2 matrix A, A=[aij], where aij=2(i+j)2.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute i,j=1,2 into aij=2(i+j)2 to build each entry.
a11=2(1+1)2=24=2
a12=2(1+2)2=29
a21=2(2+1)2=29
a22=2(2+2)2=216=8
✓Final answerA=229298
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.A matrix of order 2×2 whose elements are given by a_ij = (i+j)²/3 is ................. .(a) [[4/3, 3], [3, 16/3]](b) [[4/3, 2/3], [2/3, 16/3]](c) [[2/3, 3], [3, 13/3]](d) [[4/3, 1/3], [2/3, 14/3]]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute i,j=1,2 into aij=(i+j)2/3 to build each entry of the matrix.
For a 2×2 matrix, the indices run i,j∈{1,2}.
a11=(1+1)2/3=4/3
a12=(1+2)2/3=9/3=3
a21=(2+1)2/3=9/3=3
a22=(2+2)2/3=16/3
So A=[4/33316/3].
✓Final answerOption (a): A=[4/33316/3].
- CBSE 2025Set X11 markMCQQ.For a 2×2 matrix A=[aij] whose elements are given by aij=2i−j then A is equal to(a) [2132](b) [1302](c) [1212](d) [1221]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Building a matrix from a rule aij=2i−j — correct option is (b).
Each entry is computed by substituting its row index i and column index j into aij=2i−j. This gives a11=2(1)−1=1, a12=2(1)−2=0, a21=2(2)−1=3, and a22=2(2)−2=2. Assembling these entries yields A=[1302].
✓Final answer(b) [1302]
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Write the elements a23 and a32 of a 3×3 matrix A=[aij], whose elements aij are given by aij=2∣i−j∣.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute the row/column indices directly into aij=2∣i−j∣.
The entry aij is defined by aij=2∣i−j∣.
For a23 we take i=2, j=3:
a23=2∣2−3∣=2∣−1∣=21.
For a32 we take i=3, j=2:
a32=2∣3−2∣=2∣1∣=21.
(Because ∣i−j∣=∣j−i∣, these two symmetric entries are necessarily equal.)
✓Final answera23=21 and a32=21
- CBSE 2024Set 65/2/11 markMCQQ.If the sum of all the elements of a 3×3 scalar matrix is 9, then the product of all its elements is: (A) 0 (B) 9 (C) 27 (D) 729
›Reveal solutionSolution
A scalar matrix has all diagonal entries equal and all off-diagonal entries zero. With sum of all 9 elements = 9, the diagonal entry is 3, so the product of all elements is 3×3×3×0×⋯=0.
Concept & Intuition
A scalar matrix is a special kind of diagonal matrix. In a diagonal matrix, only the entries on the main diagonal can be non-zero; everything else is zero. A scalar matrix goes one step further: all the diagonal entries are the same number. So a 3×3 scalar matrix looks like this:
k000k000k
where k is some constant (could be any real number, including zero). The key insight: because there are six zeros in the matrix, any product that includes any of those zeros will be zero — unless every single element is non-zero, which is impossible here. So the product of all nine elements is almost certainly zero, unless the diagonal entry itself is zero (which would also give zero). The only way the product could be non-zero is if there were no zeros at all — but a scalar matrix always has zeros off the diagonal. So the answer must be zero, regardless of k. Let's verify with the given sum condition.
Step-by-step solution
- Write the general form of a 3×3 scalar matrix. Let the common diagonal entry be k. Then the matrix is:
A=k000k000k
- Find the sum of all nine elements. The sum is: k+0+0+0+k+0+0+0+k=3k. The problem states this sum equals 9, so:
3k=9⇒k=3
-
Now list all nine elements explicitly.
They are: 3,0,0,0,3,0,0,0,3.
-
Compute the product of all nine elements.
The product is 3×0×0×0×3×0×0×0×3.
Since multiplication by zero gives zero, the entire product is 0.
Watch outA common mistake is to think only of the diagonal entries and multiply 3×3×3=27, forgetting the six zeros that are also part of the matrix. The product of all elements includes every entry, not just the diagonal.
TipFor any scalar matrix of size n×n where n≥2, the product of all its elements is always 0, because there is at least one zero off the diagonal. The sum condition here only confirms the diagonal value, but doesn't change the zero product.
✓Final answerThe product of all its elements is 0, which corresponds to option (A).
- CBSE 2024Set 65/2/11 markMCQQ.If A=[aij] be a 3×3 matrix, where aij=i−3j, then which of the following is false? (A) a11<0 (B) a12+a21=−6 (C) a13>a31 (D) a31=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
We construct the 3×3 matrix A using the given rule aij=i−3j and then evaluate each option. The statement a13>a31 is found to be false.
When we are given a matrix A=[aij], it means that A is composed of elements where aij refers to the element located at the i-th row and j-th column. The problem defines a 3×3 matrix, which means it has 3 rows and 3 columns. The indices i and j will therefore range from 1 to 3.
The core idea here is to systematically determine each element of the matrix using the provided formula aij=i−3j. Once the matrix elements are known, we can directly check the truthfulness of each given statement.
-
Understand the Matrix Structure and Element Definition:
A 3×3 matrix A has elements aij where i∈{1,2,3} represents the row number and j∈{1,2,3} represents the column number.
The rule for each element is given by:
aij=i−3j
-
Calculate Each Element of the Matrix:
We will substitute the values of i and j into the formula to find each element:
- For the first row (i=1):
- a11=1−3(1)=1−3=−2
- a12=1−3(2)=1−6=−5
- a13=1−3(3)=1−9=−8
- For the second row (i=2):
- a21=2−3(1)=2−3=−1
- a22=2−3(2)=2−6=−4
- a23=2−3(3)=2−9=−7
- For the third row (i=3):
- a31=3−3(1)=3−3=0
- a32=3−3(2)=3−6=−3
- a33=3−3(3)=3−9=−6
- For the first row (i=1):
-
Construct the Matrix A:
Now we can write down the complete matrix A:
A=a11a21a31a12a22a32a13a23a33=−2−10−5−4−3−8−7−6
-
Evaluate Each Given Option:
We will check each statement against the calculated values. The question asks for the false statement.
-
(A) a11<0
From our calculations, a11=−2.
Is −2<0? Yes, this statement is true.
-
(B) a12+a21=−6
From our calculations, a12=−5 and a21=−1.
Is −5+(−1)=−6? Yes, −6=−6, so this statement is true.
-
(C) a13>a31
From our calculations, a13=−8 and a31=0.
Is −8>0? No, −8 is less than 0. This statement is false.
-
(D) a31=0
From our calculations, a31=0.
Is 0=0? Yes, this statement is true.
-
-
Identify the False Statement:
Based on the evaluation, option (C) is the false statement.
✓Final answerThe false statement is (C) a13>a31.
-
- CBSE 2024Set A11 markMCQQ.If A=[aij] is a 2×2 matrix whose elements are given by aij=ji then A is(a) [1221](b) [12211](c) [02120](d) [12121]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Evaluate aij=i/j at each position — the matrix is [121/21], so (b).
Using aij=ji: a11=11=1, a12=21, a21=12=2, a22=22=1. Hence A=[12211].
✓Final answer(b) [12211]
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Construct a 2×2 matrix A=[aij], where aij=2(i+2j)2. OR Find the values of x and y, if [3x+y2x−y−y3]=[1423]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compute each entry from the given rule; the alternative equates corresponding entries of two equal matrices.
We construct A=[aij] of order 2×2 with aij=2(i+2j)2.
a11=2(1+2⋅1)2=29,a12=2(1+2⋅2)2=225,
a21=2(2+2⋅1)2=216=8,a22=2(2+2⋅2)2=236=18.
Hence
A=29822518.
✓Final answerA=[29822518]
Alternative (Or):
Two equal matrices have equal corresponding entries; solve the resulting equations.
Given [3x+y2x−y−y3]=[1423].
Equating corresponding entries:
−y=2⟹y=−2.
3x+y=1⟹3x−2=1⟹3x=3⟹x=1.
Check with the entry 2x−y: 2(1)−(−2)=2+2=4 ✓ (matches).
✓Final answerx=1, y=−2
- CBSE 2022Set TERM11 markMCQQ.The element a₂₁ of a 3 × 2 matrix A = (a_ij) whose a_ij = |i - 3j| / 2 is :(a) 5/2(b) -1/2(c) 1/2(d) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substitute i=2,j=1 into aij=2∣i−3j∣.
a21=2∣2−3(1)∣=2∣2−3∣=2∣−1∣=21.
✓Final answera21=21 — option (c).
- CBSE 2022Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Construct a 2×2 matrix whose elements are given by aij=21∣−3i+j∣ OR Find AB, if A=[2342] and B=[1−235]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Evaluate aij=21∣−3i+j∣ for each of the four positions.
For a 2×2 matrix A=[aij] with aij=21∣−3i+j∣:
a11=21∣−3(1)+1∣=21∣−2∣=1,
a12=21∣−3(1)+2∣=21∣−1∣=21,
a21=21∣−3(2)+1∣=21∣−5∣=25,
a22=21∣−3(2)+2∣=21∣−4∣=2.
✓Final answerA=[125212].
Alternative (Or):
Multiply the two 2×2 matrices row-by-column.
With A=[2342] and B=[1−235],
AB=[2(1)+4(−2)3(1)+2(−2)2(3)+4(5)3(3)+2(5)]=[2−83−46+209+10]=[−6−12619].
✓Final answerAB=[−6−12619].
- CBSE 2021Set NC1 markQ.Construct a 2×2 matrix A=[aij], whose elements are given by aij=2(i+j)2 OR Find the value of AB when A=[1 2 3 4] and B=1234
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compute each entry aij directly from the given formula for i,j=1,2.
We need A=[aij]2×2 with aij=2(i+j)2.
a11=2(1+1)2=24=2
a12=2(1+2)2=29
a21=2(2+1)2=29
a22=2(2+2)2=216=8
So
A=229298
✓Final answerA=[29/29/28]
Alternative (Or): Find AB when A=[1 2 3 4] and B=1234.
A is a 1×4 row matrix and B is a 4×1 column matrix, so AB is a well-defined 1×1 matrix -- the dot product of the two lists of entries.
AB=[1 2 3 4]1234=[1(1)+2(2)+3(3)+4(4)]=[1+4+9+16]=[30]
✓Final answerAB=[30] (a 1×1 matrix)
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