MATH 2161: Matrices and

Vector Analysis

Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif

Lecturer in Mathematics
Department of General Education
Canadian University of Bangladesh
Former Lecturer, World University of Bangladesh

Lesson 08 01
 Lecture Outline

Special Types of Matrices

Commutative Matrices

Complex Conjugate of a Matrix

Hermitian & Skew-Hermitian Matrix

Unitary and Normal Matrix

Orthogonal Matrix

Nilpotent and Periodic Matrix

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 02

 Commutative Matrices
If 𝐴 and 𝐵 are two square matrices such that 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐴, then 𝐴 and 𝐵 are said to be commutative
1 2 5 7
matrices. For examples, and are commutative matrices.
2 1 7 5
1 0 0 2 4 0
Problem: If 𝐴 = 0 1 0 and 𝐵 = 3 1 0 , then show that 𝐴 and 𝐵 are commutative matrices.
1 0 2 −1 −4 1
1 0 0 2 4 0
Solution: Given, 𝐴 = 0 1 0 and 𝐵 = 3 1 0
1 0 2 −1 −4 1
1 0 0 2 4 0 2+0+0 4+0+0 0+0+0 2 4 0
𝐴𝐵 = 0 1 0 3 1 0 = 0+3+0 0+1+0 0+0+0 = 3 1 0
1 0 2 −1 −4 1 2+0−2 4+0−8 0+0+2 0 −4 2
2 4 0 1 0 0 2+0+0 0+4+0 0+0+0 2 4 0
𝐵𝐴 = 3 1 0 0 1 0 = 3+0+0 0+1+0 0+0+0 = 3 1 0
−1 −4 1 1 0 2 −1 + 0 + 1 0 − 4 + 0 0 + 0 + 2 0 −4 2
∵ 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐴, hence 𝐴 and 𝐵 are commutative matrices.
MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 03
Conjugate or Complex Conjugate of a Matrix
Let 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be a matrix whose elements are complex numbers. The matrix is obtained by
replacing each element by its complex conjugate is called the conjugate or complex conjugate
of matrix 𝐴 denoted by 𝐴ഥ = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 where 𝑎𝑖𝑗 is the conjugate of corresponding element 𝑎𝑖𝑗 .

1 + 2𝑖 1−𝑖 4 1 − 2𝑖 1+𝑖 4
For example, if 𝐴 = , then 𝐴ഥ = .
−3 + 𝑖 𝑖 4−𝑖 −3 − 𝑖 −𝑖 4+𝑖

1 𝑖 1+𝑖
Problem: If 𝐴 = −𝑖 2 2 + 3𝑖 , then find 𝐴ഥ (conjugate of 𝐴).
5 1 + 2𝑖 −5
1 𝑖 1+𝑖
Solution: Given 𝐴 = −𝑖 2 2 + 3𝑖
5 1 + 2𝑖 −5
1 −𝑖 1−𝑖
Conjugate of 𝐴, 𝐴ഥ = 𝑖 2 2 − 3𝑖
5 1 − 2𝑖 −5

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 04

 Hermitian Matrix
If 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 is a square matrix over the complex field and 𝐴∗ = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇
= 𝐴, i. e. 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 𝑎𝑗𝑖 , then 𝐴 is
said to be a Hermitian matrix.
2 2 − 3𝑖 3
For example, 𝐴 = 2 + 3𝑖 5 1 + 𝑖 is a Hermitian matrix. In this case diagonal elements of
3 1−𝑖 0
the matrix will be real numbers.

1 𝑖 −1 − 2𝑖
Problem: If 𝐵 = −𝑖 3 5 + 3𝑖 , then show that 𝐵 is a Hermitian Matrix.
−1 + 2𝑖 5 − 3𝑖 −1
1 𝑖 −1 − 2𝑖 1 −𝑖 −1 + 2𝑖
Solution: Given, 𝐵 = −𝑖 3 5 + 3𝑖 . Then 𝐵ത = 𝑖 3 5 − 3𝑖
−1 + 2𝑖 5 − 3𝑖 −1 −1 − 2𝑖 5 + 3𝑖 −1
1 𝑖 −1 − 2𝑖
∴ 𝐵ത 𝑇
= −𝑖 3 5 + 3𝑖
−1 + 2𝑖 5 − 3𝑖 −1

∵ 𝐵ത 𝑇
= 𝐵, hence 𝐵 is a Hermitian Matrix.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 05

 Skew-Hermitian Matrix
If 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 is a square matrix over the complex field and 𝐴∗ = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇
= −𝐴, i. e. 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = −𝑎𝑗𝑖 , then 𝐴
is said to be a Skew-Hermitian matrix.
2𝑖 2 − 3𝑖 3
For example, 𝐴 = −2 − 3𝑖 5𝑖 1 + 𝑖 is a Skew-Hermitian matrix.
−3 −1 + 𝑖 0
In this case diagonal elements of the matrix will be either zero or wholly complex number.
𝑖 1−𝑖 5
Problem: If 𝐵 = −1 − 𝑖 2𝑖 𝑖 , then show that 𝐵 is a Skew-Hermitian Matrix.
−5 𝑖 0
𝑖 1−𝑖 5 −𝑖 1+𝑖 5
Solution: Given, 𝐵 = −1 − 𝑖 2𝑖 𝑖 . Then 𝐵ത = −1 + 𝑖 −2𝑖 −𝑖
−5 𝑖 0 −5 −𝑖 0
−𝑖 −1 + 𝑖 −5 𝑖 1−𝑖 5 −𝑖 −1 + 𝑖 −5
∴ 𝐵ത 𝑇
= 1+𝑖 −2𝑖 −𝑖 and −𝐵 = − −1 − 𝑖 2𝑖 𝑖 = 1+𝑖 −2𝑖 −𝑖
5 −𝑖 0 −5 𝑖 0 5 −𝑖 0
∵ 𝐵ത 𝑇 = −𝐵, hence 𝐵 is a Skew-Hermitian Matrix.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 06

 Unitary Matrix
Let 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be a complex square matrix, then 𝐴 is said to be a unitary matrix if 𝐴𝐴∗ = 𝐴∗ 𝐴 = 𝐼 or
equivalently, 𝐴∗ = 𝐴−1 . (𝐴∗ = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇 = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇 )

1 𝑖 1+𝑖 −1+𝑖
2 2 2 2
For examples, 𝑖 1
and 1+𝑖 1−𝑖
are unitary matrices.
− −
2 2 2 2

1 𝑖 −2𝑖
Problem: Show that the matrix 𝑈 = is unitary.
5 −2𝑖 −𝑖

1 𝑖 −2𝑖 1 −𝑖 2𝑖
Solution: Given, 𝑈 = , then 𝑈 ∗ = .
5 −2𝑖 −𝑖 5 2𝑖 𝑖

1 4 2 2
+5 −5 + 5
1 𝑖 −2𝑖 1 −𝑖 2𝑖 5 1 0
Now, 𝑈𝑈 ∗ = ∙ = = = 𝐼2 .
5 −2𝑖 −𝑖 5 2𝑖 𝑖 2 2 4 1 0 1
−5 + 5 +5
5

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 07

 Normal Matrix
Let 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be a complex square matrix, then 𝐴 is called a normal matrix if 𝐴∗ 𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴∗ , where 𝐴∗ is the
conjugate transpose of 𝐴. (𝐴∗ = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇 = 𝐴ഥ 𝑇 )
2 + 3𝑖 1
For example, is a normal matrix.
𝑖 1 + 2𝑖
2 + 2𝑖 3+𝑖 0
Problem: Verify that the matrix 𝑁 = 1 − 3𝑖 4+𝑖 0 is a normal matrix or not?
0 0 3
2 + 2𝑖 3+𝑖 0 2 − 2𝑖 1 + 3𝑖 0
Solution: Given 𝑁 = 1 − 3𝑖 4+𝑖 ഥ
0 , then 𝑁 ∗ = 𝑁 𝑇
= 3−𝑖 4−𝑖 0 .
0 0 3 0 0 3
2 + 2𝑖 3+𝑖 0 2 − 2𝑖 1 + 3𝑖 0 18 9 + 9𝑖 0
∗
𝑁𝑁 = 1 − 3𝑖 4+𝑖 0 3−𝑖 4−𝑖 0 = 9 − 9𝑖 27 0
0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 9
2 − 2𝑖 1 + 3𝑖 0 2 + 2𝑖 3+𝑖 0 18 9 + 9𝑖 0
∗
𝑁 𝑁 = 3−𝑖 4−𝑖 0 1 − 3𝑖 4+𝑖 0 = 9 − 9𝑖 27 0
0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 9
∵ 𝑁𝑁 ∗ = 𝑁 ∗ 𝑁 ∴ 𝑁 is a normal matrix. (Verified)
MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 08
 Orthogonal Matrix
A real square matrix 𝐴 is said to be orthogonal if 𝐴𝑇 = 𝐴−1 , i. e. if 𝐴𝐴𝑇 = 𝐴𝑇 𝐴 = 𝐼. Thus 𝐴 must
necessarily be square and invertible.

1/9 8/9 −4/9 1/3 2/3 2/3

For examples, 𝐿 = 4/9 −4/9 −7/9 and 𝑀 = 2/3 1/3 −2/3 are orthogonal matrices.
8/9 1/9 4/9 −2/3 2/3 −1/3

3/7 2/7 6/7

Problem: Show that, 𝐴 = −6/7 3/7 2/7 is orthogonal.
2/7 6/7 −3/7

3/7 2/7 6/7 3/7 −6/7 2/7

Solution: Given 𝐴 = −6/7 3/7 2/7 , then 𝐴𝑇 = 2/7 3/7 6/7 .
2/7 6/7 −3/7 6/7 2/7 −3/7

3/7 2/7 6/7 3/7 −6/7 2/7 1 0 0

∴ 𝐴𝐴𝑇 = −6/7 3/7 2/7 2/7 3/7 6/7 = 0 1 0 = 𝐼
2/7 6/7 −3/7 6/7 2/7 −3/7 0 0 1

∵ 𝐴𝐴𝑇 = 𝐼, hence 𝐴 is orthogonal.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 09
 Idempotent Matrix
A square matrix 𝐴 is said to be an idempotent matrix if 𝐴2 = 𝐴.

−1 3 5
For example, 1 −3 −5 is an idempotent matrix.
−1 3 5
2 −2 −4
Problem: If 𝐵 = −1 3 4 , then show that 𝐵 is an idempotent matrix.
1 −2 −3
2 −2 −4
Solution: Given 𝐵 = −1 3 4
1 −2 −3
2 −2 −4 2 −2 −4 2 −2 −4
Then 𝐵2 = 𝐵 ∙ 𝐵 = −1 3 4 −1 3 4 = −1 3 4 =𝐵
1 −2 −3 1 −2 −3 1 −2 −3
∵ 𝐵2 = 𝐵, hence 𝐵 is an idempotent matrix.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 10

 Involutory Matrix
A square matrix 𝐴 is called an involutory matrix if 𝐴2 = 𝐼.

4 3
For example, 𝐴 = is an involutory matrix.
−5 −4

4 3 3
Problem: If 𝐵 = −1 0 −1 , then show that 𝐵 is an involutory matrix.
−4 −4 −3

4 3 3
Solution: Given 𝐵 = −1 0 −1
−4 −4 −3

4 3 3 4 3 3 1 0 0
Then 𝐵2 = 𝐵 ∙ 𝐵 = −1 0 −1 −1 0 −1 = 0 1 0 = 𝐼3
−4 −4 −3 −4 −4 −3 0 0 1
∵ 𝐵2 = 𝐼, hence 𝐵 is an involutory matrix.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 11

 Nilpotent Matrix
A square matrix 𝐴 is called a nilpotent matrix of order 𝑛 if 𝐴𝑛 = 0 and 𝐴𝑛−1 ≠ 0,
where 𝑛 is a positive integer and 𝟎 is the null matrix.

0 1
For example, 𝐴 = is a nilpotent matrix of order 2.
0 0
1 2 3
Problem: If 𝐵 = 1 2 3 , then 𝐵 is a nilpotent matrix of order 2.
−1 −2 −3
1 2 3
Solution: Given 𝐵 = 1 2 3
−1 −2 −3
1 2 3 1 2 3 0 0 0
Then 𝐵2 =𝐵∙𝐵 = 1 2 3 1 2 3 = 0 0 0
−1 −2 −3 −1 −2 −3 0 0 0
∵ 𝐵2 = 𝟎, hence 𝐵 is a nilpotent matrix of order 2.

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 12

 Periodic Matrix
A square matrix 𝐴 is called periodic if 𝐴𝑚+1 = 𝐴, where 𝑚 is a positive integer. If 𝑚 is the
least positive integer for which 𝐴𝑚+1 = 𝐴, then 𝐴 is said to be of period 𝑚.
1 −2 −6
For example, 𝐴 = −3 2 9 is a periodic matrix of period 2.
2 0 −3
1 3
2 2
Problem: Prove that is a periodic matrix and determine the period.
3 1
− 2 2
1 3
2 2
Solution: Let, the given matrix be 𝑃 = .
3 1
− 2 2
7
1 3 1 3
2 2 2 2
Here, 𝑃7 = = . Since 𝑃7 = 𝑃, therefore the period of 𝑃 is 𝟔.
3 1 3 1
− −
2 2 2 2

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 13

 End Of The Lessons

MATH 2161 Md. Kawsar Ahmed Asif Lesson 08 14