Transpose of Matrix Explained with Examples

The concept of Transpose of Matrix plays a key role in mathematics and is widely applicable to both real-life situations and exam scenarios. Understanding it helps students solve matrix-based problems efficiently, which is essential for board exams and competitive tests. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the transpose of a matrix, including formulas, properties, examples, and its uses in maths and beyond.

What Is Transpose of Matrix?

A transpose of matrix is defined as a new matrix formed by switching (interchanging) the rows and columns of the original matrix. In other words, the transpose of a matrix \(A\) (denoted as \(A^T\) or \(A'\)) has its elements such that the element at position (i, j) in A appears at (j, i) in \(A^T\). You’ll find this concept applied in areas such as matrix multiplication, symmetry checks, and solving linear equations in linear algebra.

Key Formula for Transpose of Matrix

Here’s the standard formula:
If \(A = [a_{ij}]\) is an \(m \times n\) matrix, then its transpose is
\[ A^T = [a_{ji}] \]
This means element in the i^th row and j^th column of A will be in the j^th row and i^th column of \(A^T\).

Cross-Disciplinary Usage

Transpose of matrix is not only useful in Maths but also plays an important role in Physics, Computer Science, and daily logical reasoning. For example, it’s key in forming symmetric matrices, used in coding (Python, R, Matlab) for data manipulation, and in physics for representing system transformations. Students preparing for JEE or NEET will see its relevance in various questions.

Step-by-Step Illustration

1. Start with a matrix.
   
   For example, \(A = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 2 & 3\\4 & 5 & 6\end{bmatrix}\)
2. Write rows as columns.
   
   The first row (1,2,3) becomes first column; second row (4,5,6) becomes second column.
3. Result:
   
   \(A^T = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 4\\2 & 5\\3 & 6\end{bmatrix}\)

Solved Examples of Transpose

Matrix A	Transpose \(A^T\)
\(\begin{bmatrix}2 & 5\\7 & 3\end{bmatrix}\)	\(\begin{bmatrix}2 & 7\\5 & 3\end{bmatrix}\)
\(\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0\\4 & 9\\2 & 6\end{bmatrix}\)	\(\begin{bmatrix}1 & 4 & 2\\0 & 9 & 6\end{bmatrix}\)

Speed Trick or Shortcut for Transpose

Here’s a quick shortcut: To write the transpose, simply pick each row and rewrite it as a column in order. This visual trick is super useful in exams! For large matrices, write the numbers diagonally, then fill above and below the diagonal by swapping positions.

Properties of Transpose of Matrix

• \((A^T)^T = A\) (Double transpose returns the original matrix.)
• \((A + B)^T = A^T + B^T\)
• \((kA)^T = kA^T\) (k is a scalar constant)
• \((AB)^T = B^T A^T\) (Transpose reverses the multiplication order.)
• A matrix is symmetric if \(A = A^T\).
• A matrix is skew-symmetric if \(A = -A^T\).

Solved Problem (with Steps)

Example: Find the transpose of \(C = \begin{bmatrix}2 & -1 & 5\\0 & 4 & 7\end{bmatrix}\).

1. Write out matrix C.

2. Make first row (2, -1, 5) the first column, and the second row (0, 4, 7) the second column.

3. So,

\(C^T = \begin{bmatrix}2 & 0\\-1 & 4\\5 & 7\end{bmatrix}\)

Application: In calculating matrix products, determinants, and for finding inverse matrices through the adjoint method, the transpose is always used.

Transpose in Programming

You can easily compute the transpose in coding and data science. For example, in Python with NumPy:

import numpy as np
A = np.array([[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6]])
A_transpose = A.T
print(A_transpose)

Students often use this trick in competitive coding and maths practicals!

Try These Yourself

• Find the transpose of \( \begin{bmatrix}8 & 0\\1 & 3\end{bmatrix}\).
• Is the matrix \( \begin{bmatrix}2 & -5\\-5 & 7\end{bmatrix}\) symmetric?
• Write and transpose a 2x3 matrix of your choice.
• Calculate the double transpose of any matrix you like.

Frequent Errors and Misunderstandings

• Forgetting to swap rows and columns properly, especially for non-square matrices.
• Confusing transpose with matrix inverse or adjoint.
• Assuming (AB)^T = (A^TB^T) instead of (B^TA^T).

Relation to Other Concepts

The idea of transpose of matrix connects closely with topics such as symmetric matrix, matrix multiplication, and determinant calculation (determinant of a 3x3 matrix). Mastering this helps understand more advanced concepts like inverse matrix and eigenvectors.

Classroom Tip

A quick way to remember the transpose is to say: “Rows become columns, columns become rows.” Vedantu’s teachers often use this catchy rule in live classes to help students remember!

We explored transpose of matrix—from its definition, formula, visual examples, mistakes, links with other topics, and even programming applications. Continue practicing with Vedantu to become confident in solving all kinds of matrix questions!

Explore related topics on Vedantu:
Symmetric Matrix | Matrix Multiplication | Determinant of a 3x3 Matrix | Inverse Matrix