Matrices Exercise 3.1 NCERT Solutions Class 12 Math Chapter 3 free PDF Download

In this article, we will be going to solve the entire Exercise 3.1 of Chapter 3 of the NCERT textbook.

What is a Matrix?

A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions arranged in rows and columns. Each element in the matrix is denoted by two subscripts, where the first represents the row and the second represents the column. Matrices are typically represented by capital letters, such as A, and their elements by lowercase letters, like aij

Types of Matrices

Matrices come in different forms, such as square matrices, diagonal matrices, and identity matrices, depending on the arrangement of their elements. Understanding these types will help in solving a variety of mathematical problems efficiently.

The solution for the NCERT Exercise 3.1 is added below:

Question 1. In the matrix A = \begin{vmatrix} 2&5&19&-7\\ 35&-2&5/2&12\\ \sqrt{3}&1&-5&17\\ \end{vmatrix} , write:

(i) The order of the matrix 

Solution:

We can see that matrix contains 3 rows and 4 columns So, the order of this matrix is 3×4

(ii) The number of elements 

Solution:

We know that number of elements in the matrix = product of number of rows and number of columns in matrix So, number of elements = 3 x 4 =12.

(iii) Write the elements a13 , a21, a33 , a24, a23  

Solution:

a13 = Element in first row and third column i.e, 19

a21 = Element in second row and first column i.e, 35

a33 = Element in third row and third column i.e, -5

a24 = Element in second row and fourth column i.e, 12

a23 = Element in second row and  third column i.e, 5/2

Question 2. If a matrix has 24 elements, what are the possible orders it can have? What, if it has 13 elements?

Solution:

We know that number of elements in the matrix is the product of number 

of rows and number of columns in the matrix .

If matrix has order mxn then number  of elements are mn in that matrix.

So we have to find the ordered pairs of natural number whose product is 24.  

The ordered pairs are: (1, 24), (24, 1), (2, 12), (12, 2), (3, 8), (8, 3), (4, 6), (6, 4)

Hence possible orders are: 1×24, 24×1, 2×12, 12×2, 3×8, 8×3, 4×6, and 6×4

If matrix has 13 elements then ordered pairs will be (1, 13) and (13, 1)

Hence possible orders are: 1×13 and 13×1

Question 3. If a matrix has 18 elements, what are the possible orders it can have? What, if it has 5 elements? 

Solution:

We know that number of elements in the matrix is the product of number 

of rows and number of columns in the matrix .

If matrix has order mxn then number  of elements are mn in that matrix.

So we have to find the ordered pairs of natural number whose product is 18.  

The ordered pairs are:(1, 18), (18, 1), (2, 9), (9, 2), (3, 6), and (6, 3)

Hence possible orders are: 1×18, 18×1, 2×9, 9×2, 3×6, and 6×3

If matrix has 5 elements then ordered pairs will be (1, 5) and (5, 1)  

Hence possible orders are: 1×5 and 5×1

Question 4. Construct a 2×2 matrix , A = [aij]  whose elements are given by :

(i) aij = (i + j)2/2

Solution:

Elements in this 2×2 matrix = a11 , a12 ,a21 ,a22

a11 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 1 ⇒ (1 + 1)2/2 = 4/2 = 2

a12 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 2 ⇒ (1 + 2)2/2 = 9/2

a21 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 1 ⇒ (2 + 1)2/2 = 9/2

a22 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 2 ⇒(2 + 2)2/2 = 16/2 = 8

Resultant Matrix is:

\begin{vmatrix} 2&9/2\\ 9/2&8\\ \end{vmatrix}

(ii) aij = i/j

Solution:

Elements in this 2×2 matrix = a11 , a12 ,a21 ,a22

a11 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 1 = 1/1 = 1

a12 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 2 = 1/2

a21 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 1 = 2/1 = 2

a22 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 2 = 2/2 = 1

Resultant Matrix is:  

\begin{vmatrix} 1&1/2\\ 2&1\\ \end{vmatrix} 

(iii) aij = (i + 2j)2/2

Solution:

Elements in this 2×2 matrix = a11 , a12 , a21 , a22

a11 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 1 ⇒ (1 + 2 x 1)2/2 = 9/2

a12 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 2 ⇒ (1 + 2 x 2)2/2 = 25/2

a21 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 1 ⇒(2 + 2 x 1)2/2  = 16/2 = 8

a22 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 2 ⇒(2 + 2 x 2)2/2 = 36/2 = 18

Resultant Matrix is:

\begin{vmatrix} 9/2&25/2\\ 8&18\\ \end{vmatrix} 

Question 5. Construct a 3×4 matrix, whose elements are given by :

(i) aij = 1/2 {|-3i + j|}

Solution:

Elements in this 3 x 4 matrix are  a11 , a12 , a13 , a14 , a21 , a22, a23 , a24  , a31 , a32 , a33 , a34

a11 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 1 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 1 + 1|) = 1

a12 ⇒  i = 1 and j = 2 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 1 + 2|) = 1/2

a13 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 3 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 1 + 3) = 0

a14 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 4 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 1 + 4|) = 1/2

a21 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 1 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 2 + 1|) = 5/2

a22 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 2 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 2 + 2|) = 2

a23 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 3 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 2 + 3|) = 3/2

a24 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 4 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 2 + 4|) = 1

a31 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 1 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 3 + 1|) = 4

a32 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 2 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 3 + 2|) = 7/2

a33 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 3 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 3 + 3|) = 3

a34 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 4 ⇒ 1/2 (|-3 x 3 + 4|) = 5/2

Resultant matrix is:  

\begin{vmatrix} 1&1/2&0&1/2\\ 5/2&2&3/2&1\\ 4&7/2&3&5/2\\ \end{vmatrix}

(ii) aij = 2i – j

Solution:

Elements in this 3 x 4 matrix are  a11 , a12 , a13 , a14 , a21 , a22 , a23 , a24  , a31 , a32 , a33 , a34

So,

a11 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 1 ⇒ 2 x 1 – 1 = 1

a12 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 2 ⇒ 2 x 1 – 2 = 0

a13 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 3 ⇒ 2 x 1 – 3 = -1

a14 ⇒ i = 1 and j = 4 ⇒ 2 x 1 – 4 = -2

a21 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 1 ⇒ 2 x 2 – 1 = 3

a22 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 2 ⇒ 2 x 2 – 2 = 2

a23 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 3 ⇒ 2 x 2 – 3 = 1

a24 ⇒ i = 2 and j = 4 ⇒ 2 x 2 – 4 = 0

a31 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 1 ⇒ 2 x 3 – 1 = 5

a32 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 2 ⇒ 2 x 3 – 2 = 4

a33 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 3 ⇒ 2 x 3 – 3 = 3

a34 ⇒ i = 3 and j = 4 ⇒ 2 x 3 – 4 = 2

Resultant matrix is: \begin{vmatrix} 1&0&-1&-2\\ 3&2&1&0\\ 5&4&3&2\\ \end{vmatrix} 

Question 6. Find the values of x, y, and z from the following equations:

(i) \begin{vmatrix} 4&3\\ x&5\\ \end{vmatrix} =\begin{vmatrix} y&z\\ 1&5\\ \end{vmatrix} 

Solution:

We can compare or equate both the matrices because both are equal 

So on equating both the matrices we get 

x = 1; y = 4; z = 3

 (ii) \begin{vmatrix} x+y&2\\ 5+z&xy\\ \end{vmatrix} = \begin{vmatrix} 6&2\\ 5&8\\ \end{vmatrix}

Solution:

We can compare or equate both the matrices because both are equal

So, on equating both the matrices. we get

x + y = 6       -(1)

5 + z = 5      -(2)

xy = 8         -(3)

Now, we can solve these equations   

z = 0 from eq(2)

x = 6 – y         -(4)

Now putting value of x from eq(4) in eq(3)

 (6 – y)(y) = 8

6y – y2 = 8

y2 – 6y + 8 = 0         -(5)

Now we have to factorize this equation

(y – 4)(y – 2) = 0

either y – 4 = 0 or y – 2 = 0

so, y = 2 or y = 4

Put these values in eq(4) we get 

x = 4 and x = 2

Therefore, the value of  x = 2 , y = 4 , z = 0

(iii) \begin{vmatrix} x+y+z\\ x+z\\ y+z\\ \end{vmatrix} = \begin{vmatrix} 9\\ 5\\ 7\\ \end{vmatrix} 

Solution:

We can compare or equate both the matrices because both are equal

So, on equating both the matrices, we get

x + y + z = 9      -(1) 

x + z = 5          -(2) 

y + z = 7          -(3) 

If we put the value of eq(2) in eq(1)

 we get, 5 + y = 9

y = 4 

On putting value of y in eq(3)

4 + z = 7

z = 3

On putting value of z in eq(2)

x + 3 = 5

x = 2

So, the value of  x = 2; y = 4; z = 3

Question 7. Find the value of a, b, c, and d from the equation:

\begin{vmatrix} a-b&2a+c\\ 2a-b&3c+d\\ \end{vmatrix} = \begin{vmatrix} -1&5\\ 0&13\\ \end{vmatrix}

Solution:

We can compare or equate both the matrices because both are equal

So, on equating both the matrices, we get

a – b = -1          -(1)   

2a – b = 0          -(2) 

2a + c= 5          -(3) 

3c + d = 13          -(4) 

On solving eq(1) and eq(2) we get 

a = 1

On putting a = 1 in eq(3) we get 

c = 3

On putting a = 1 in eq(2) we get 

b = 2

On putting c = 3 in eq(4) we get 

d = 4

So, the value of  a = 1; b = 2; c = 3; d = 4

Question 8. A = [aij]mxn is a square matrix, if 

(A) m < n    (B) m > n    (C) m = n    (D) None of these

Solution:

This will be square matrix if number of rows = number of columns

So , m = n is correct option.

Hence, the option answer is C.

Question 9. Which of the given values of x and y make the following pair of matrices equal\begin{vmatrix} 3x+7&5\\ y+1&2-3x\\ \end{vmatrix},\begin{vmatrix} 0&y-2\\ 8&4\\ \end{vmatrix} 

(A) x = -1/3, y = 7    (B) Not possible to find    (C) y = 7, x = -2/3    (D) x = -1/3, y = -2/3   

Solution:

We can compare or equate both the matrices because both are equal

So on equating both the matrices we get;

3x + 7 = 0           -(1)

y + 1 = 8           -(2)

2 – 3x = 4           -(3)

y – 2 = 5           -(4)

From eq(2) and eq(4) we get same value of y i.e, y=7

but on solving eq(1) we get value of x = -7/3 and on solving eq(3) we get value of x = -2/3

Both the values of x are different for the value of y. So, it is not possible to find.

Hence, the correct option is B

Question 10. The number of all possible matrices of order 3 × 3 with each entry 0 or 1 is:

(A) 27    (B) 18   (C) 81    (D) 512

Solution:

We know that number of elements in a matrix of order mxn is mn. 

So number of elements in matrix of 3 x 3 is 9.

For each element we have two choices either 0 or 1

So, total number of possible matrices of order 3 x 3 with each entry 0 or 1 = 29 = 512

Correct option is D

Summary

In this article, we have covered the concept of matrices, their types, and basic operations. We also provided step-by-step solutions to Exercise 3.1, helping to solidify your understanding of matrix theory and its applications.

FAQs on Matrices

What is a matrix used for?

Matrices are used in a variety of fields such as engineering, physics, economics, and computer science for solving systems of linear equations, performing linear transformations, and data representation.

What are the basic operations on matrices?

The basic operations include addition, subtraction, and multiplication of matrices, as well as finding their determinants and inverses.

Can all matrices be multiplied?

No, matrix multiplication is only possible when the number of columns in the first matrix is equal to the number of rows in the second matrix.

What is Do NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 3 help you to score well in the board exam?

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 3 Matrices is given by ANAND CLASSES. These solutions help the students to understand the concepts of the NCERT textbook for the Chapter Matrices. ANAND CLASSES provides detailed solutions for all NCERT questions to make students comfortable and confident of getting maximum marks. The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths are solved by our Maths experts using a step-by-step approach, according to the latest update of the latest CBSE syllabus, to assist students in their board examination.

What are the main topics discussed in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 3?

In Mathematics, matrices are one of the easiest chapters, which, when understood, would be fun to solve. Matrix, types of matrices, operations on matrices, transpose of a matrix, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices, elementary operation on matrix and invertible matrices are the main topics discussed in this chapter. These topics are explained in simple language to help students score well in the board exams, irrespective of their intelligence quotient.

Why should we learn about matrices in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 3?

Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers which are represented in rows and columns. Various mathematical operations like multiplication, addition, subtraction and division can be performed using matrices. Representing the data related to infant mortality rate, population etc., are the widely used areas where matrices are used to simplify the calculation of complex data. The other substantial use of matrices are statistics, plotting graphs and various scientific research purposes. The method of solving difficult linear equations is also made simple using the matrices.

Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.

CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus 2025-26 with Marks Distribution

The table below shows the marks weightage along with the number of periods required for teaching. The Maths theory paper is of 80 marks, and the internal assessment is of 20 marks which totally comes out to be 100 marks.

CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus And Marks Distribution 2023-24

Max Marks: 80

No.UnitsMarks
I.Relations and Functions08
II.Algebra10
III.Calculus35
IV.Vectors and Three – Dimensional Geometry14
V.Linear Programming05
VI.Probability08
Total Theory80
Internal Assessment20
Grand Total100

Unit-I: Relations and Functions

1. Relations and Functions

Types of relations: reflexive, symmetric, transitive and equivalence relations. One to one and onto functions.

2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Definition, range, domain, principal value branch. Graphs of inverse trigonometric functions.

Unit-II: Algebra

1. Matrices

Concept, notation, order, equality, types of matrices, zero and identity matrix, transpose of a matrix, symmetric and skew symmetric matrices. Operations on matrices: Addition and multiplication and multiplication with a scalar. Simple properties of addition, multiplication and scalar multiplication. Noncommutativity of multiplication of matrices and existence of non-zero matrices whose product is the zero matrix (restrict to square matrices of order 2). Invertible matrices and proof of the uniqueness of inverse, if it exists; (Here all matrices will have real entries).

2. Determinants

Determinant of a square matrix (up to 3 x 3 matrices), minors, co-factors and applications of determinants in finding the area of a triangle. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix. Consistency, inconsistency and number of solutions of system of linear equations by examples, solving system of linear equations in two or three variables (having unique solution) using inverse of a matrix.

Unit-III: Calculus

1. Continuity and Differentiability

Continuity and differentiability, derivative of composite functions, chain rule, derivative of inverse trigonometric functions like sin-1 x, cos-1 x and tan-1 x, derivative of implicit functions. Concept of exponential and logarithmic functions.
Derivatives of logarithmic and exponential functions. Logarithmic differentiation, derivative of functions expressed in parametric forms. Second order derivatives.

2. Applications of Derivatives

Applications of derivatives: rate of change of quantities, increasing/decreasing functions, maxima and minima (first derivative test motivated geometrically and second derivative test given as a provable tool). Simple problems (that illustrate basic principles and understanding of the subject as well as real-life situations).

3. Integrals 

Integration as inverse process of differentiation. Integration of a variety of functions by substitution, by partial fractions and by parts, Evaluation of simple integrals of the following types and problems based on them.

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (without proof). Basic properties of definite integrals and evaluation of definite integrals.

4. Applications of the Integrals

Applications in finding the area under simple curves, especially lines, circles/ parabolas/ellipses (in standard form only)

5. Differential Equations

Definition, order and degree, general and particular solutions of a differential equation. Solution of differential equations by method of separation of variables, solutions of homogeneous differential equations of first order and first degree. Solutions of linear differential equation of the type:

dy/dx + py = q, where p and q are functions of x or constants.

dx/dy + px = q, where p and q are functions of y or constants.

Unit-IV: Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry

1. Vectors

Vectors and scalars, magnitude and direction of a vector. Direction cosines and direction ratios of a vector. Types of vectors (equal, unit, zero, parallel and collinear vectors), position vector of a point, negative of a vector, components of a vector, addition of vectors, multiplication of a vector by a scalar, position vector of a point dividing a line segment in a given ratio. Definition, Geometrical Interpretation, properties and application of scalar (dot) product of vectors, vector (cross) product of vectors.

2. Three – dimensional Geometry

Direction cosines and direction ratios of a line joining two points. Cartesian equation and vector equation of a line, skew lines, shortest distance between two lines. Angle between two lines.

Unit-V: Linear Programming

1. Linear Programming

Introduction, related terminology such as constraints, objective function, optimization, graphical method of solution for problems in two variables, feasible and infeasible regions (bounded or unbounded), feasible and infeasible solutions, optimal feasible solutions (up to three non-trivial constraints).

Unit-VI: Probability

1. Probability

Conditional probability, multiplication theorem on probability, independent events, total probability, Bayes’ theorem, Random variable and its probability distribution, mean of random variable.

Students can go through the CBSE Class 12 Syllabus to get the detailed syllabus of all subjects. Get access to interactive lessons and videos related to Maths and Science with ANAND CLASSES’S App/ Tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus 2025-26

Q1

Is Calculus an important chapter in the CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus?

Yes, Calculus is an important chapter in the CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus. It is for 35 marks which means that if a student is thorough with this chapter will be able to pass the final exam.

Q2

How many units are discussed in the CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus?

In the CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus, about 6 units are discussed, which contains a total of 13 chapters.

Q3

How many marks are allotted for internals in the CBSE Class 12 Maths syllabus?

About 20 marks are allotted for internals in the CBSE Class 12 Maths Syllabus. Students can score it with ease through constant practice.