Matrices

Transpose of a Matrix

Understand

The transpose \(A^T\) (also written \(A\')\) is obtained by turning rows into columns: if \(A = [a_{ij}]_{m\times n}\) then \(A^T = [a_{ji}]_{n\times m}\).

Example: \(\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 4 & -2 \\ 0 & 3 & 5 \end{bmatrix}^{T} = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 4 & 3 \\ -2 & 5 \end{bmatrix}\).

Properties

  • \((A^T)^T = A\)
  • \((kA)^T = kA^T\)
  • \((A + B)^T = A^T + B^T\)
  • \((AB)^T = B^TA^T\) – the reversal law.

Key Concepts

  • Transpose swaps the order: \(m\times n \to n\times m\).
  • Products reverse under transposition.

Formula Bank

Reversal law for transpose

\[(AB)^{T} = B^{T}A^{T}\]

Properties of transpose

\[(A^T)^T=A,\quad (kA)^T=kA^T,\quad (A+B)^T=A^T+B^T,\quad (AB)^T=B^TA^T\]

Common Mistakes

Not reversing the order in (AB)ᵀ

Writing \((AB)^T = A^TB^T\).

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Topic Summary

\(A^T\): rows ↔ columns. \((A^T)^T = A\), \((A+B)^T = A^T + B^T\), \((kA)^T = kA^T\), \((AB)^T = B^TA^T\).

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