Diagonal matrix

2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary: 15B [MSN][ZBL]

quasi-scalar matrix

A square matrix in which all entries — with the possible exception of the elements on the main diagonal — are zero.

Comments

I.e. an $(n\times n)$ diagonal matrix over a field $K$ has the form

$$\begin{pmatrix}a_1&0&\cdots&0\\0&a_2&\cdots&0\\\vdots&\vdots&\ddots&\vdots\\0&\cdots&\cdots&a_n\end{pmatrix},$$

where the $a_i$ are elements of $K$.

See also: Defective matrix.

References

• A.C. Aitken, "Determinants and matrices", Oliver and Boyd (1939) Zbl 65.1111.05 Zbl 0022.10005