Difference between Rows and Columns: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Rows and columns come in handy while differentiating between various categories when they are represented together in the form of a table, matrix, or chart. Rows represent a group of horizontal cells, whereas columns represent a group of vertical cells in a matrix or table. 

Define Row

Row is an arrangement of objects, places, people, or any group of elements when they are aligned from left to right facing the same direction. For instance, the line of first-benchers in a classroom or arrangement of the last line of horizontal seats in a cinema theatre represents a row. 

Define Column 

Column is an arrangement of values, facts, words, figures, etc. when they are placed on each other vertically. For example, the arrangement of utensils placed over each other on horizontal platforms of a kitchen rack represents a column.

How can Rows and Columns be differentiated from one another?

The basic differences between rows and columns are explained in the below table:

The topics related to rows and columns are taught in a chapter called Determinants in Class X and a chapter called Database Concepts in Class X. The questions that are asked on differences between rows and columns carry a weightage of around 2-3 marks in the exam of Class X.

Details about “Rows & Columns” in Class XI

In Class XI, the differences between rows and columns are explained properly in the chapter Spreadsheets. There are no particular marks aligned to this topic as it is used as a basic concept while explaining complex problems. 

1. A matrix B is given by [2   1   9]
                                          [4   3   0]
                                          [1   2  -8]

What is the dimension of this matrix? Give the entries b12, b23, and b22 in the matrix. 

Solution:

As this matrix contains 3 rows and 3 columns, its dimensions are 3 x 3. Entry in b12 is 1 because it denotes the second element of the 1st row. Similarly, b23 is the third element of the second row, which is 0, and b22 is the second element of the second row, which is 3. 

2. A = [​4 ​3]
          [1 2​​]

and B =  [​2 ​9]
               [1 0​​]

Solution:

Add Matrix A’s columns with Matrix B’s columns. 

Both Matrix A and Matrix B contain 2 rows and 2 columns. Therefore, direct addition of the columns is possible. 

Therefore, the new matrix C =   [4+2  3+9]   = [6    12]
                                                   [1+1  0+2]      [2      2]

3. A = [​1-2] and B = [​3 ​4]
           [1 2​​]               [1 5]      

Find Matrix C such that it is the subtraction of rows of A and B.

Solution:

C = A - B = [​1-3 -2-4]  =  [-2   -6]
                   [1-1  2-5​​]      [0    -3]

Q: What are the headers of rows and columns called?

Q: In the Database Management System (DBMS), what are rows and columns referred to as?

Q: Define a Matrix?

Q: What are the other names of a row?

Q: What is the point where a column and a row meet called?