Matrix Arrangements

Logical thinking aims to solve difficulties using logic and common sense. There are several forms of logical reasoning, including verbal, nonverbal, and analytical reasoning. Matrix arrangement-related questions in a logical reasoning context use the same logic as linear arrangement problems. Matrix arrangement is the process of arranging people or items in accordance with the given conditions.

This article discusses what matrix arrangement is. 

What is matrix arrangement?

Horizontal rows plus vertical columns make up a matrix. Integers in 2 rows and 3 columns, variable expressions in 3 rows and 4 columns or complex numbers in 2 rows and 2 columns, etc., are the types of questions that generally come under the matrix section.

Matrix arrangement refers to a rectangular matrix, which is made of several components. As elements, you can use real or complex numbers, constants, or other symbols in a rectangular pattern. In a logical reasoning context, matrix arrangement questions usually follow the same reasoning as linear arrangement.

The “size” of a matrix is determined by the quantity of rows and columns and is referred to as the matrix’s “order”.

Before starting to solve the matrix questions, you should consider following these steps – 

• First, take a brief look at the information provided. After this, you will understand the problem better.

• Determine the usefulness of each piece of information and categorise it properly.                    

• To answer these questions, you must decipher the data in the question and claim to portray it pictorially.

• Begin with certain knowledge.

• Next, try to analyse the negative as well as indirect data.

• Make a chart with the first column devoted to items or people whose characteristics are stated in the problem. The properties of the object are mentioned in the columns below.

• Create a table on the first column dedicated to the objects or individuals whose properties are specified in the issue. The properties of the object are mentioned in the columns below.

• Begin reading by placing the direct facts linked with the item given in the problem, using the ‘+’ to signify yes and the * to signify no.

• We must evaluate the connection between the presented information as well as the other elements of the scenario.

Comparative information is when the location of a person or thing is not indicated explicitly but is mentioned in contrast to another person. B, for example, is seated second to the right of C. Negative information can be a “share” of certain information. On the other hand, negative evidence does not reveal anything, although it will suggest that a possibility should be eliminated. For example, C is not seated immediately to the right of D. 

Examples 

The information is provided concerning a set of people, while their seating method will be referred to as a seating arrangement in a logical reasoning context. Thus, the seating arrangement could be a horizontal line, a circle, a rectangle, or another arrangement of people or things. This notion is used to answer a large portion of the problems in the reasoning section. As a result, applicants must focus on preparing and answering an increasing number of questions based on it.

Logical reasoning includes a section on seating arrangements. The student must comprehend the question and use reasoning to reach a firm judgement concerning the arrangements’ chronology, direction, and order. Information is supplied in a chaotic form to raise the complexity of questions; it must first be organised and then used rationally to clarify the question. 

Example 1

M, N, O, P, Q, R, and S are members of a games club who like Badminton, Carom, Football, Bridge, Table Tennis,  Hockey, and Lawn Tennis, however not strictly in that order. They each have different musical tastes, including Guitar, Harmonium, Sitar, Flute, Tabla, Banjo, and Santoor, although still not strictly in that order. B likes to play Carrom and Banjo. E likes Bridge but maybe not the Harmonium or even the Tabla. The one who likes hockey plays the Sitar. F does not participate in Table Tennis or Lawn Tennis. A enjoys playing badminton and the flute. Lawn Tennis players do not participate in Tabla. G enjoys hockey, while C enjoys playing the harmonium.

Question: Which game does P play?

Solution: 

• M enjoys playing badminton and the flute.

• N likes to play Carrom and Banjo.

• O performs on the Harmonium.

• Q likes to play Bridge.

• R plays the guitar.

• S enjoys playing hockey.

• Sitar is performed by someone who loves hockey.

• The only 2 instruments left are the santoor and tabla.

• Q enjoys Bridge but just not the Harmonium or Tabla.

• Some enjoy playing Santoor.

• So P performs the only instrument remaining, Tabla.

• It denotes that only O or P may play Table Tennis as well as Lawn Tennis. 

• Another criterion is that anyone who appreciates Lawn Tennis does not actually play the Tabla.

• Only O appears to be playing Lawn Tennis since P plays the Tabla.

• Table Tennis, Football, and Lawn Tennis are the only 3 sports left.

• According to another requirement, R also plays the Guitar but neither Table Tennis nor Lawn Tennis; therefore, F plays Guitar and Football. 

Table

Therefore, the answer is Table tennis.

Question 2: Santoor is played by whom?

Answer- Q plays Santoor.

Question 3: Who participates in football?

Answer- R plays Football.

Conclusion

A matrix is an arrangement of sides in a rectangular shape. Real or complex integers, variables, or other symbols arranged in a rectangular format can be used as elements. Horizontal rows and vertical columns make up a matrix. Students should read the seating arrangement responses to questions to see how they should approach the problems. Seating arrangement questions frequently appear in all competitive tests, particularly in banking exams that pose difficulties.