Scalar matrix (source code)

= Scalar matrix
{title2=$\lambda I$}

A <scalar matrix> is a scalar multiple of the identity <matrix>, equivalently a <diagonal matrix> with all diagonal entries equal. It commutes with every square <matrix> of the same size. In $GL_n(F)$, the nonzero <scalar matrices> form the central <subgroup> removed to define the <projective linear group>.