Basic Matrix Types

LaTeX offers various matrix environments, each with different delimiters:

1. matrix Environment (no delimiters)

   \egin{matrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{matrix}

2. pmatrix Environment (parentheses)

   \egin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix}

3. bmatrix Environment (square brackets)

   \egin{bmatrix} x & y \\ z & w \end{bmatrix}

4. vmatrix Environment (vertical bars)

   \egin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix}

Matrix with Alignment

You can control column alignment using the array environment:

The {lcr} specifies left, center, and right alignment for each column.

Augmented Matrices

For systems of equations, you can create augmented matrices using the array environment:

The vertical line in {cc|c} creates the augmentation line.

Small Matrices

For inline matrices, use the smallmatrix environment:

Advanced Matrix Features

• Dots in Matrices

  \egin{pmatrix} 1 & \cdots & n \\ \dots & \ddots & \dots \\ m & \cdots & mn \end{pmatrix}

• Nested Matrices

  \egin{bmatrix} A & \egin{bmatrix} x \\ y \end{bmatrix} \\ 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}

• Matrix with Text

  \egin{pmatrix} \ ext{row 1} & x_1 \\ \ ext{row 2} & x_2 \end{pmatrix}

Best Practices

• Use \begin{array} when you need precise control over column alignment
• Use \begin{pmatrix} or \begin{bmatrix} for standard matrices
• Use \begin{smallmatrix} for inline matrices to maintain proper line spacing
• Use \vdots, \ddots, and \cdots for professional-looking ellipses