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We can create a matrix in LaTeX using the array environment, or simplematrix, matrix, pmatrix, bmatrix, vmatrix, and Vmatrix environments via amsmath package. This article provides some examples on how to create a matrix in LaTeX.

Creating a matrix with array

Here are some examples.

1. unbracketed matrix

   

   \[
   M =
   \begin{array}{cc}
   x & y \\
   z & w \\
   \end{array}
   \]

2. matrix surrounded by square brackets

   

   \[
   M =
   \left[ {\begin{array}{cc}
    x & y  \\
    z & w  \\
    \end{array} } \right]
   \]

3. matrix surrounded by parentheses

   

   \[
   M =
   \left( {\begin{array}{cc}
    x & y  \\
    z & w  \\
    \end{array} } \right)
   \]

4. matrix surrounded by single vertical lines

   

   \[
   M =
   \left| {\begin{array}{cc}
    x & y  \\
    z & w  \\
    \end{array} } \right|
   \]

Using amsmath package

Call \usepackage{amsmath} in the preamble, after \documentclass{}.

The amsmath package environment for matrix:

1. smallmatrix: inline matrix

   

   $M = \begin{smallmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{smallmatrix}$
   $M = \left( \begin{smallmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{smallmatrix}\right)$

2. matrix: unbracketed matrix

   

   $M = \begin{matrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{matrix}$

3. pmatrix: matrix surrounded by parentheses

   

   $M = \begin{pmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{pmatrix}$

4. bmatrix: matrix surrounded by square brackets

   

   $M = \begin{bmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{bmatrix}$

5. vmatrix: matrix surrounded by single vertical lines

   

   $M = \begin{vmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{vmatrix}$

6. Vmatrix: matrix surrounded by double vertical lines

   

   $M = \begin{Vmatrix} x&y\\ z&w \end{Vmatrix}$