MATLAB is a powerful numerical computing environment that can easily create and manipulate matrices. Creating a diagonal matrix, in particular, is a common task in MATLAB and can often be used to solve linear algebra problems. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step explanation on how to create a diagonal matrix in MATLAB.
Step 1: Define the Non-Zero Diagonal Elements
First, we need to define the sizes of the matrix, as well as the non-zero diagonal elements. This can be done by inputting a singleton vector, which is a vector with only one element, into the diag function. The input syntax of diag is diag(singletonVector), and the matrix it creates is (size of singletonVector) by (size of singletonVector).
For example, if you wanted to generate a 3 x 3 matrix with the diagonal elements of 4, 5, and 6, you would use the singleton vector [4, 5, 6] with the following syntax: diag([4, 5, 6]). This will create the following matrix:
$$
\begin{bmatrix}
4 & 0 & 0 \
0 & 5 & 0 \
0 & 0 & 6
\end{bmatrix}
$$
Step 2: Define the Entire Matrix
Using the same syntax, you can define the entire matrix as well. This can be done by inputting a matrix instead of a singleton vector. For example, if you wanted to generate a 3 x 3 matrix with the diagonal elements of 4, 5, and 6, and the off-diagonals of 1, 2, and 3, you would use the input [4, 1, 2; 1, 5, 3; 2, 3, 6] with the following syntax: diag([4, 1, 2; 1, 5, 3; 2, 3, 6]). This will create the following matrix:
$$
\begin{bmatrix}
4 & 1 & 2 \
1 & 5 & 3 \
2 & 3 & 6
\end{bmatrix}
$$
Step 3: Define a Lower- or Upper-Triangular Matrix
You can also use diag to create a lower- or upper-triangular matrix. This can be done by inputting a matrix that only has values in the on the lower- or upper-triangle. For example, if you wanted to generate a 3 x 3 lower-triangular matrix with the diagonal elements of 4, 5, and 6, and the off-diagonals of 1, 2, and 3, you would use the input [4, 0, 0; 1, 5, 0; 2, 3, 6] with the following syntax: diag([4, 0, 0; 1, 5, 0; 2, 3, 6]). This will create the following matrix:
$$
\begin{bmatrix}
4 & 0 & 0 \
1 & 5 & 0 \
2 & 3 & 6
\end{bmatrix}
$$
FAQ
What is a diagonal matrix?
A diagonal matrix is a matrix where the values are only on the diagonals and all other elements are zero.
What is the syntax for creating a diagonal matrix in MATLAB?
The syntax for creating a diagonal matrix in MATLAB is diag(vector), such as diag([4, 5, 6]). You can also input a matrix instead of a singleton vector if you want to define the off-diagonal elements.
Can I create a lower- or upper-triangular matrix using diag?
Yes, you can create a lower- or upper-triangular matrix using diag by inputting a matrix that only has values on the lower- or upper-triangle.
What is the syntax for creating a lower-triangular matrix in MATLAB?
The syntax for creating a lower-triangular matrix in MATLAB is diag(matrix), such as diag([4, 0, 0; 1, 5, 0; 2, 3, 6]).
Can I use diag for vectors of different sizes?
Yes, you can use diag for vectors of different sizes by changing the length of the singleton vector or matrix. The resulting matrix will then be (length of vector/matrix) by (length of vector/matrix).