# Is the zero matrix upper and lower triangular as well as diagonal?

From what I can tell from the definitions of a lower-triangular, upper-triangular, and diagonal matrices, I've come to the conclusion that the zero matrix is in the set of all of each type of matrix. Is this correct?

• Yes ${}{}{}{}{}{}$. – copper.hat Feb 14 '13 at 20:09

A zero square matrix is lower triangular, upper triangular, and also diagonal.

If an object meets the definition of three things then it is the three things. What are you confused about?

• The definition of those three things, for instance take the definition provided here: mathworld.wolfram.com/LowerTriangularMatrix.html I didn't find it particularly clear. The stumbling block was on could a_{ij} = 0. Apparently the answer is yes, yes it can. – BrotherJack Feb 14 '13 at 20:19
• This is actually a good answer. An object or something is not necessarily of one type. If it fits the definition, you go with it, unless something contradictory may appear or several definitions may exclude some parts of each other. – Turkhan Badalov Feb 13 '18 at 16:13

Provided it is a square matrix.

An upper triangular matrix is one in which all entries below main diagonal are zero. Clearly this is satisfied.

An lower triangular matrix is one in which all entries above main diagonal are zero. Clearly this is satisfied.

An diagonal matrix is one in which all non-diagonal entries are zero. Clearly this is also satisfied.

Hence, a zero square matrix is upper and lower triangular as well as diagonal matrix.