RANK OF MATRIX

The maximum number of its linearly independent

columns (or rows ) of a matrix is called the rank of a
matrix. The rank of a matrix cannot exceed the
number of its rows or columns.

If we consider a square matrix, the columns (rows)

are linearly independent only if the matrix is non
singular. In other words, the rank of any non
singular matrix of order m is m. Rank of a matrix A
is denoted by ρ(A).

The rank of a null matrix is zero. A null matrix has

no non-zero rows or columns. So, there are no
independent rows or columns. Hence the rank of a
null matrix is zero.

Let A be mxn matrix. If A is a null matrix, we define

its rank to be ‘0’. If A is a non-zero matrix, we say
that ‘r’ is the rank of A if i. Every (r+1)th order minor
of A is ‘0’ (zero) & ii. At least one rth order minor of
A which is not zero. It is denoted by  (A) and read
as rank of A.
Note:
1. Rank of a matrix is unique.
2. Every matrix will have a rank.
3. If A is a matrix of order mxn, then Rank of A ≤
min (m,n)
4. If ρ (A) = r then every minor of A of order r+1, or
minor is zero.
5. Rank of the Identity matrix In is n.

6. If A is a matrix of order n and A is non-singular

then ρ (A) = n
7. If A is a singular matrix of order n then  (A) < n

Important Note:
1. The rank of a matrix is ≤ r if all minors of (r+1)th
order are zero.
2. The rank of a matrix is ≥ r, if there is at least one
minor of order ‘r’ which is not equal to zero.

Examples :
1. Find the rank of the matrix
Solution:
Let A=

Order of A is 2 × 2 ∴ ρ(A)≤ 2
Consider the second order minor

∴ There is a minor of order 2, which is not zero. ρ (A) = 2

2. Find the rank of the matrix

Solution:
Let A=

Order of A is 2 × 2 ∴ρ(A)≤ 2
Consider the second order minor

Since the second order minor vanishes, ρ(A) ≠ 2

Consider a first order minor |−5| ≠ 0
There is a minor of order 1, which is not zero
∴ ρ (A) = 1