Matrices · 2.1.1
Representing data as matrices
Students learn that a matrix is an ordered rectangular array of numbers used to organise real data, such as stock lists, sports scores, or price tables, into rows and columns, understanding that a matrix is simply a structured way to display related information compactly and consistently.
The official learning standard (2.1.1)
“Represent information from real situations in the form of matrices.”
What it means
Students learn that a matrix is an ordered rectangular array of numbers used to organise real data, such as stock lists, sports scores, or price tables, into rows and columns, understanding that a matrix is simply a structured way to display related information compactly and consistently.
How it is examined
Mainly tested in Paper 1 objective items asking students to write a given table or situation as a matrix, and in Paper 2 questions that use matrices to model real data (such as inventory or cost tables) as the first step before further matrix operations are carried out.
Worked example
A shop sells 3 red shirts and 5 blue shirts on Monday, and 2 red shirts and 4 blue shirts on Tuesday. Represent this information as a 2×2 matrix, with rows as days (Monday, Tuesday) and columns as (red, blue).
- Assign rows to days: Monday, Tuesday.
- Assign columns to shirt colours: red, blue.
- Fill in the matrix using the given numbers for each day and colour.
Source:DSKP KSSM Mathematics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English)
Frequently asked questions
Does the order of rows and columns matter?
Yes, you must be consistent with how the question defines rows and columns. If rows represent items and columns represent categories, keep this arrangement throughout your matrix and any calculations that follow, since swapping the order changes the entire matrix.
What's the difference between a matrix and a table?
A table has labelled rows and columns, while a matrix is a rectangular array of numbers written inside brackets, without labels, following an agreed row-column convention. A matrix strips away the labels so the same numbers can be used directly in matrix arithmetic.
Can a matrix have just one row or one column?
Yes, these are called row matrices and column matrices respectively. They are still valid matrices with an order like 1×n or n×1, and follow the same rules as larger matrices when combined with addition, subtraction, or multiplication.