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How Do I
Entering matrices in Maple is very simple. This section demonstrates two methods for entering a matrix: by inserting a template from the Matrix palette and by using the Matrix-constructor shortcut syntax.
Before you proceed, be sure to familiarize yourself with entering simple mathematical expressions. Open a new worksheet in Document mode, and ensure that you are in Math mode.
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Using the Matrix Palette to Create a Template
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Follow the steps below to enter the three-by-four matrix and assign it to a variable whose name is .
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Step
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Description
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Illustration
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1
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Type , followed by a colon (:) and an equal sign (=). The colon-equals notation assigns the content on the right-hand side to a variable on the left-hand side.
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2
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In the Matrix palette, either:
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Click and hold the Choose... button and drag a three-by-four rectangle in the box that pops up, or
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Type into the Rows field and into the Columns field.
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3
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Click Insert Matrix.
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4
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Type over the highlighted placeholder. To move to and highlight the next placeholder, press the Tab key.
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5
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Continue to navigate through the placeholders by pressing Tab to enter values for the entire matrix.
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6
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Press Enter. Maple displays and labels the result of an executed statement in a new line. (For more information, see the How do I topic on evaluating expressions and the Equation Labels subsection of the How Do I help page under the Tools and Features heading.)
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When Working with Templates From the Palettes, Keep These Tips in Mind:
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If you accidentally move the cursor outside a template, simply move the cursor back into the template and press [Tab] to move to the next placeholder.
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Use Shift + Tab to move back to the previous placeholder, if you have not overwritten it yet.
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To add a row to a template, place the cursor in an element and from the Context Panel, select Insert Row. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+R.
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To add a column to a template, place the cursor in an element and from the Context Panel, select Insert Column. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+C.
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Using Maple's Matrix-constructor Shortcut Syntax
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Follow the steps below to enter the three-by-four matrix and assign it to a variable whose name is . For details about the special syntax used in these steps, see the associated help topic.
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Step
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Description
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Illustration
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1
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Type , followed by a colon (:) and an equal sign (=). The colon-equals notation assigns the content on the right-hand side to a variable name on the left-hand side.
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2
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Type two left angle brackets (<) (<), followed by (separated by commas), and a right angle bracket (>). The expression represents the first column of the final matrix.
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3
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Press Shift + | to type the pipe character (|). This character separates the four columns in the final matrix.
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4
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As before, type the columns , , and , separated by pipe characters (|). Type a final right angle bracket (>). The angular brackets are automatically formatted by Maple.
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5
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Press Enter. Maple displays and labels the result of an executed statement in a new line. (For more information, see the How do I topic on evaluating expressions and the Equation Labels subsection of the How Do I help page.)
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When Working with this Shortcut Syntax, Keep These Tips in Mind:
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The comma (,) is used to separate elements in different rows, while the pipe symbol (|) is used to separate elements in different columns.
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As a result, the matrix could also be entered as .
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Additional Resources
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The methods described in this help page provide simple ways to enter matrices with a small number of entries. For more ways to enter a Matrix, including using an initializer or importing data, see How to Construct Matrices in Maple.
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Related Topics
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The How Do I... topics cover the essentials for doing mathematics in Maple. Learn more about available tools and features, such as palettes and the context panel.
Refer to Help>Quick Reference for basic Getting Started tips.
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Note for non-Windows users: The keystrokes given in this document are for Windows. There will be differences for other platforms. If you are using a different platform, see Shortcut Keys.
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