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NCERT Exemplar · Q59

Q.The matrix [0−585012−8−120]\begin{bmatrix} 0 & -5 & 8 \\ 5 & 0 & 12 \\ -8 & -12 & 0 \end{bmatrix} is a
(A) diagonal matrix
(B) symmetric matrix
(C) skew symmetric matrix
(D) scalar matrix

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A matrix where AT=−AA^T = -A is skew-symmetric. Here, every diagonal entry is 00 and each off-diagonal pair (i,j)(i,j) and (j,i)(j,i) are negatives of each other, so the given matrix is skew-symmetric. The correct option is (C).

Why this approach works

The question gives you a 3×33 \times 3 matrix and asks you to classify it among four types: diagonal, symmetric, skew-symmetric, or scalar. Instead of memorising definitions in isolation, think about what each type does to the entries.

A symmetric matrix is unchanged when you flip it across the main diagonal — that means aij=ajia_{ij} = a_{ji} for every pair. A skew-symmetric matrix, on the other hand, flips sign when you transpose it: aij=−ajia_{ij} = -a_{ji}. And a key consequence? The diagonal entries of a skew-symmetric matrix must be zero, because aii=−aiia_{ii} = -a_{ii} forces aii=0a_{ii}=0.

Look at the given matrix:

A=[0−585012−8−120]A = \begin{bmatrix} 0 & -5 & 8 \\ 5 & 0 & 12 \\ -8 & -12 & 0 \end{bmatrix}

The diagonal is all zeros — that already rules out a diagonal or scalar matrix (which would need non-zero entries on the diagonal, or at least a constant kk there). So the real contest is between symmetric and skew-symmetric. Let’s check systematically.

Step-by-step reasoning

  1. Check the diagonal entries.

    For a symmetric matrix, diagonal entries can be anything. For a skew-symmetric matrix, they must be zero. Here a11=0a_{11}=0, a22=0a_{22}=0, a33=0a_{33}=0 — so the diagonal condition for skew-symmetry is satisfied. But this alone isn’t enough; we need to check the off-diagonal pairs.

  2. Compare each pair (i,j)(i,j) and (j,i)(j,i).

    Take a12=−5a_{12} = -5 and a21=5a_{21} = 5.

    Is a12=−a21a_{12} = -a_{21}? Yes: −5=−(5)-5 = -(5).

    Next, a13=8a_{13} = 8 and a31=−8a_{31} = -8.

    8=−(−8)8 = -(-8) — again true.

    Finally, a23=12a_{23} = 12 and a32=−12a_{32} = -12.

    12=−(−12)12 = -(-12) — holds.

    Every off-diagonal pair satisfies aij=−ajia_{ij} = -a_{ji}. That is the defining property of a skew-symmetric matrix.

  3. Rule out the other options.

    • Diagonal matrix: would have all non-diagonal entries zero. Here −5,8,5,12,−8,−12-5, 8, 5, 12, -8, -12 are all non-zero — so no.
    • Symmetric matrix: would require aij=ajia_{ij} = a_{ji}. But −5≠5-5 \neq 5, 8≠−88 \neq -8, 12≠−1212 \neq -12 — so no.
    • Scalar matrix: a diagonal matrix where every diagonal entry is the same constant kk. Here the diagonal is all zeros, so k=0k=0 — but then all off-diagonals must also be zero (since a scalar matrix is a special diagonal matrix). They aren’t — so no. …

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