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

   

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