Matrix group

A matrix group is a group represented by invertible matrices, equivalently a subgroup of a general linear group.

A classical group is a standard family of linear groups, principally the general/special linear groups and groups preserving nondegenerate alternating, symmetric, Hermitian or quadratic forms. Finite-field versions yield many finite simple groups after imposing the appropriate determinant or derived-subgroup condition and quotienting the scalar center of a group. Small dimensions and small fields have exceptional isomorphisms and nonsimple cases.

The group of invertible linear maps preserving a specified quadratic form over a finite field. In characteristic two one must preserve the quadratic form itself, not merely its polar alternating bilinear form. For a nonsingular form, any two nonzero isotropic vectors can be incorporated into hyperbolic pairs and standard adapted bases, producing an isometry between them.