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Determinants · Determinants

Matrix Algebra Using Determinants

A messaging app sends your messages "scrambled" using a key matrix $A$. For the recipient to be able to read them, the matrix has to be reversible. How can you tell, without doing the whole computation, whether a matrix has an inverse? By its determinant. On this page you will chain several properties of the determinant in a single problem, almost always without calculating the entries of the matrix.

Review: Sarrus, cofactors, and the inverse

Before chaining properties, make sure you have three basic tools down.

Something you already know from the linear systems in PM III: the $2\times2$ determinant, $\begin{vmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{vmatrix}=ad-bc$, is the same one that appears in the determinant method (Cramer's rule). There, if the determinant of the coefficients is nonzero, the system has a unique solution; here, if it is nonzero, the matrix has an inverse. It is the same idea under another name.

The signs $(-1)^{i+j}$ form a checkerboard: $+$ in the upper left corner, alternating from there.

Sarrus rule: descending diagonals add and ascending diagonals subtract, with the checkerboard of cofactor signs. Sarrus add: ↘ ↘ ↘ subtract: ↗ ↗ ↗ Signs of the cofactors +−+ −+− +−+
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In an archaeological excavation, the coordinates of three key points forming a search sector have been recorded. To calculate the area of this sector, we first need to…

In an archaeological excavation, the coordinates of three key points forming a search sector have been recorded. To calculate the area of this sector, we first need to obtain the value of the determinant of the following position matrix $A$:

$A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 & 3 \\ -1 & 0 & 4 \\ 1 & -2 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$

Calculate the value of $|A|$ using Sarrus's rule.

Auxiliary columns |A| = 2 1 3 −1 0 4 1 −2 1 2 1 −1 0 1 −2 (+) (+) (+) (-) (-) (-) Main diagonals (+) Secondary diagonals (-)
Solve
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Calculate the inverse matrix $A^{-1}$ of the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & 2 \\ 5 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$ using the adjugate matrix method:…

Calculate the inverse matrix $A^{-1}$ of the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & 2 \\ 5 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$ using the adjugate matrix method:

$A^{-1} = \frac{1}{|A|} \times (\text{Adj}(A))^t$

Follow these steps:

  1. Find the determinant $|A|$.

  2. Calculate the matrix of cofactors $\text{Adj}(A)$.

  3. Take the transpose and divide by the determinant.

Original matrix: A = 3 2 5 4 A⁻¹ = 1 |A| · (Adj(A)) ᵗ 1. Determinant |A| ≠ 0 2. Adjugate Matrix 3. Transpose
Solve
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Calculate the value of the determinant of the following matrix $4 \times 4$ expanding by the elements of the second row (the one with the most zeros):…

Calculate the value of the determinant of the following matrix $4 \times 4$ expanding by the elements of the second row (the one with the most zeros):

$|D| = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 3 & 0 & 5 \\ 0 & 2 & 0 & 0 \\ -1 & 1 & 4 & 2 \\ 2 & 0 & 1 & 3 \end{vmatrix}$

|D| = 1 3 0 5 - + - + 0 2 0 0 −1 1 4 2 2 0 1 3
Solve

Combining several properties at once

The reason for $|kA|=k^n|A|$: the scalar $k$ multiplies each one of the $n$ rows, and each row contributes a factor of $k$.

Diagram for simplifying a determinant by chaining properties of the transpose, the inverse, and scalar multiplication. |3·Aᵀ·A⁻¹| 3ⁿ · |Aᵀ| · |A⁻¹| 3ⁿ · |A| · (1/|A|) = 3ⁿ
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Without expanding the matrix completely, apply the properties of determinants to justify why the following determinant is equal to $0$:…

Without expanding the matrix completely, apply the properties of determinants to justify why the following determinant is equal to $0$:

$|A| = \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 5 & 10 & 15 \\ 0 & 1 & -4 \end{vmatrix}$

(Hint: Observe the relationship between the first and second rows).

Solve
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Let $A$ be a square matrix of order $3$ whose determinant is $|A| = -2$. Use the properties of determinants to calculate the following values: a) $|A^t|$ (determinant of…

Let $A$ be a square matrix of order $3$ whose determinant is $|A| = -2$. Use the properties of determinants to calculate the following values:

  1. a) $|A^t|$ (determinant of the transpose).
  2. b) $|A^{-1}|$ (determinant of the inverse).
  3. c) $|3A|$ (determinant of the matrix multiplied by the scalar $3$).
Solve
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Given that the determinant of a square matrix $A$ of order 3 is $|A| = -2$, use the properties of determinants to calculate, with reasoning, the value of the following…

Given that the determinant of a square matrix $A$ of order 3 is $|A| = -2$, use the properties of determinants to calculate, with reasoning, the value of the following determinants:

  1. a) $|A^t \times A|$
  1. b) $|3A^{-1}|$
  1. c) The determinant of the matrix resulting from multiplying the first row of $A$ by $5$, swapping the second and third rows, and transposing the matrix.
Matrix A (order n = 3) |A| = −2 a) |Aᵗ · A| Key properties: |Aᵗ| = |A| |A·B| = |A|·|B| b) |3A⁻¹| Key properties: |k·A| = k³·|A| |A⁻¹| = 1/|A| c) Transformed Operations: R₁ → 5R₁ (×5) R₂ ↔ R₃ (×-1) A → Aᵗ (×1)
Solve

When is there no inverse? Matrices with a parameter

To find the values of a parameter $k$ for which there is no inverse, you compute $\det A$ as an expression in $k$, factor it, and look for its roots.

In order 3 with lots of symmetry, it helps to add all the rows into a single one.

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A courier company uses a matrix-based encryption system. For a message to be "decryptable", the matrix used $M$ must be invertible. Given the matrix…

A courier company uses a matrix-based encryption system. For a message to be "decryptable", the matrix used $M$ must be invertible.

Given the matrix $M = \begin{pmatrix} k & 4 \\ 1 & k \end{pmatrix}$, determine for which values of the real parameter $k$ the matrix has no inverse (that is, it is a singular matrix).

Solve
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In an air traffic control system, the position of three drones at a given moment is defined by the columns of a matrix $P$. In the simplified model used, the…

In an air traffic control system, the position of three drones at a given moment is defined by the columns of a matrix $P$. In the simplified model used, the configuration is considered safe only if the determinant of $P$ is non-zero. Given the matrix:

$$P(k) = \begin{pmatrix} k & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & k & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & k \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. a) Calculate the values of $k$ for which the drones would be in a "critical" configuration (zero determinant).
  1. b) For $k = 0$, check whether the matrix is invertible and, if so, find its inverse $P^{-1}$ using the adjugate matrix method.
  1. c) Show that for any value of $k \neq 1$ and $k \neq -2$, $P(k)$ is non-singular.
Solve

The identity $A\cdot\operatorname{Adj}(A)=|A|\cdot I$

This form is the one to use when the adjugate appears inside a matrix equation: you substitute it with $|A|\cdot A^{-1}$ and you get an equation you already know how to solve. Remember the note on notation: in the statements, the matrix $\operatorname{Adj}(A)$ in the exercises is the cofactor matrix, and its transpose $\operatorname{Adj}(A)^t$ is the adjugate of this page.

The matrix times its adjugate gives the determinant times the identity, from which the adjugate can be solved for in terms of the inverse. A · Adj(A) = |A| · I Adj(A) = |A| · A⁻¹ (if |A| ≠ 0)
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Given the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & -1 \\ 3 & 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$, calculate: a) The determinant of $A$ using Sarrus's rule. b) The matrix of…

Given the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & -1 \\ 3 & 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$, calculate:

  1. a) The determinant of $A$ using Sarrus's rule.
  1. b) The matrix of cofactors $\text{Adj}(A)$.
  1. c) Check that the property $A \times \text{Adj}(A)^t = |A| \times I$ holds, where $I$ is the identity matrix of order 3.
Solve
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Given the matrix $M = \begin{pmatrix} k & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & k & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & k \end{pmatrix}$: a) Determine the values of the real parameter $k$ for which the matrix $M$ is…

Given the matrix $M = \begin{pmatrix} k & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & k & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & k \end{pmatrix}$:

  1. a) Determine the values of the real parameter $k$ for which the matrix $M$ is singular (has no inverse).
  1. b) For the value $k = 0$, calculate the inverse matrix $M^{-1}$ using the adjugate matrix method.
Solve
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Consider the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & -1 \\ 0 & m & 3 \\ 4 & 1 & -m \end{pmatrix}$. a) Determine the values of the parameter $m$ for which the matrix $A$ has…

Consider the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & -1 \\ 0 & m & 3 \\ 4 & 1 & -m \end{pmatrix}$.

  1. a) Determine the values of the parameter $m$ for which the matrix $A$ has an inverse.
  1. b) For $m = 2$, solve the matrix equation $X \times A - 2 \times Adj(A) = |A| \times I$, where $Adj(A)$ is the adjugate matrix of $A$ and $I$ is the identity matrix.

Hint: Use the fundamental relationship between a matrix and its adjugate: $A \times (Adj(A))^t = |A| \times I$.

Solve

Matrix equations with products

With matrices you don't "divide": you multiply by the inverse, and order matters because the product is not commutative.

To solve for X in A times X times B equals C, multiply by the inverse of A on the left and by the inverse of B on the right. A · X · B = C A⁻¹ on the left B⁻¹ on the right X = A⁻¹ · C · B⁻¹
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Solve the following matrix equation to find the unknown matrix $X$: $A \times X = B$ Where: $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$ and…

Solve the following matrix equation to find the unknown matrix $X$:

$A \times X = B$

Where:

$A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$ and $B = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 1 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$

(Remember: $X = A^{-1} \times B$. You must calculate $A^{-1}$ first).

Solve
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Solve the following matrix equation $A \times X \times B = C$, where the matrices $A$, $B$ and $C$ are: $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 2 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$,…

Solve the following matrix equation $A \times X \times B = C$, where the matrices $A$, $B$ and $C$ are:

$A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 2 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$, $B = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$ and $C = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 \\ -1 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$

Justify beforehand that the matrices $A$ and $B$ are invertible by calculating their determinants.

Solve
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A logistics company uses an encryption algorithm based on matrix algebra to protect its routes. The security key is a matrix $X$ that satisfies the following equation:…

A logistics company uses an encryption algorithm based on matrix algebra to protect its routes. The security key is a matrix $X$ that satisfies the following equation:

$$A \times X \times A^t = B - 2I$$

where $I$ is the identity matrix of order 2 and the matrices $A$ and $B$ are:

$$A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 1 & 2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad B = \begin{pmatrix} 10 & 12 \\ 4 & 14 \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. a) Justify, using determinants, that the matrix $A$ is invertible.
  1. b) Rearrange the above equation for the matrix $X$.
  1. c) Explicitly calculate the matrix $X$.
Solve

Systems with two unknown matrices

Solving a system of two unknown matrices by addition and subtraction: add the equations, solve for X, then for Y. 2X + Y = A X − Y = B add 3X = A + B solve for X X = (A+B)/3
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Solve the system of matrix equations to find the matrices $X$ and $Y$:…

Solve the system of matrix equations to find the matrices $X$ and $Y$:

$\begin{cases} 2X + Y = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ -1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \\ X - Y = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 1 & 2 \end{pmatrix} \end{cases}$

Once found, calculate the determinant of the product matrix $X \times Y$.

Solve
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Solve the following system of matrix equations for the unknown matrices $X$ and $Y$: $$\begin{cases} 2X + Y = A \\ X - Y = B \end{cases}$$ where the coefficient matrices…

Solve the following system of matrix equations for the unknown matrices $X$ and $Y$:

$$\begin{cases} 2X + Y = A \\ X - Y = B \end{cases}$$

where the coefficient matrices are:

$$A = \begin{pmatrix} 5 & 1 \\ 11 & 4 \end{pmatrix}, \quad B = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & -1 \\ 1 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$$

Once $X$ and $Y$ have been found:

  1. a) Calculate $|X \times Y|$ and $|X + Y|$.
  2. b) Determine whether the product matrix $X \times Y$ is invertible using its determinant.
2X + Y = A X - Y = B + 3X = A + B X = 1/3(A + B) A = 5 1 11 4 B = 1 −1 1 2 |X · Y| = ? |X + Y| = ? ∃(X · Y)⁻¹ ?
Solve

Matrices satisfying an equation

From a matrix polynomial equation, the inverse is solved for by factoring out A. A² − 5A + 6I = O A⁻¹ = (5I − A) / 6
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It is known that a square matrix $B$ satisfies the equation $B^2 - 3B + 2I = O$, where $I$ is the identity matrix and $O$ is the zero matrix. a) Show that $B$ is a…

It is known that a square matrix $B$ satisfies the equation $B^2 - 3B + 2I = O$, where $I$ is the identity matrix and $O$ is the zero matrix.

  1. a) Show that $B$ is a non-singular matrix (has an inverse) and express $B^{-1}$ in terms of $B$ and $I$.
  1. b) If $B$ is of order 2 and its determinant is $|B| = 2$, what is the determinant of the adjugate matrix of $B$, $|\text{Adj}(B)|$?
Solve
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Let $A$ and $B$ be two square matrices of order 3 such that $|A| = 2$ and $|B| = -1$. Calculate, justifying each step using the properties of determinants, the value of…

Let $A$ and $B$ be two square matrices of order 3 such that $|A| = 2$ and $|B| = -1$. Calculate, justifying each step using the properties of determinants, the value of the following determinants:

  1. a) $|(A^t \times B)^{-1}|$
  1. b) $|3 \times A^2 \times Adj(B)|$
  1. c) Given that a matrix $C$ satisfies $C^2 = C$ (idempotent matrix), show that its determinant can only be 0 or 1.
Solve

Vandermonde and highly symmetric matrices

It equals $0$ exactly when two of the parameters coincide: then two rows would be equal.

Structure of the order-3 Vandermonde determinant and its factorization as a product of differences. 1xx² 1yy² 1zz² (y−x)(z−x)(z−y) = 0 if and only if two parameters are equal

Another family: the matrix with $x$ on the diagonal and $a$ in all the other positions, $D_n$. All the rows add up to $x+(n-1)a$. Replace $R_1$ with the sum of all the rows, factor out that common factor, and subtract the first row from the others; the result is

$$|D_n|=\big(x+(n-1)a\big)(x-a)^{n-1}$$

It is the same idea you used with $P(k)$ (there $n=3$, $x=k$, $a=1$).

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An electronic components company manufactures three types of circuits: $C_1$, $C_2$ and $C_3$. The production cost of each circuit is determined by the determinant of…

An electronic components company manufactures three types of circuits: $C_1$, $C_2$ and $C_3$. The production cost of each circuit is determined by the determinant of the material matrix $M$:

$M = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 \\ x & y & z \\ x^2 & y^2 & z^2 \end{pmatrix}$

  1. a) Knowing that $x$, $y$ and $z$ represent the quantities of silicon, copper and tin respectively, show that the determinant of this matrix (Vandermonde) is $(y-x)(z-x)(z-y)$.
  1. b) If for a specific circuit the quantities are $x=1$, $y=2$ and $z=4$, is the matrix $M$ invertible? Justify your answer using the result from the previous section.
CIRCUIT PRODUCTION COST Models manufactured: C₁, C₂, C₃ a) M = 1 1 1 x y z x² y² z² x: Si Silicon y: Cu Copper z: Sn Tin Cost = |M| |M| = ? (y-x)(z-x)(z-y) ? b) C? Specific Circuit: x=1, y=2, z=4 Is M invertible? ∃ M⁻¹ ? ⇔ |M| ≠ 0
Solve
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Given the square matrix of order $n$: $$Dn = \begin{pmatrix} x & a & a & \dots & a \\ a & x & a & \dots & a \\ a & a & x & \dots & a \\ \vdots & \vdots & \vdots &…

Given the square matrix of order $n$:

$$D_n = \begin{pmatrix} x & a & a & \dots & a \\ a & x & a & \dots & a \\ a & a & x & \dots & a \\ \vdots & \vdots & \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ a & a & a & \dots & x \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. a) For the case $n = 3$, show that the determinant of the matrix is $|D_3| = (x+2a)(x-a)^2$.
  1. b) Generalise the previous result for a matrix of order $n$ and deduce the expression for $|D_n|$ in terms of $x, a$ and $n$.
  1. c) If $x = 5$ and $a = 2$, for which values of $n$ would the matrix $D_n$ be singular?
Solve
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Consider the matrix of order 4 depending on the real parameter $k$: $$M = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1-k & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & 1+k & 1 \\ k & k & k & k^2…

Consider the matrix of order 4 depending on the real parameter $k$:

$$M = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1-k & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & 1+k & 1 \\ k & k & k & k^2 \end{pmatrix}$$

Using only the properties of determinants, perform the following tasks:

  1. a) Find the value of the determinant of $M$ in terms of $k$, giving the result in factorised form.
  1. b) Determine the values of $k$ for which the matrix $M$ has no inverse.
  1. c) For the case $k = 2$, calculate the value of the determinant of the adjugate matrix of $M$, that is, $|Adj(M)|$, without explicitly calculating the elements of this adjugate matrix.
M = Pivot row 1 1 1 1 1 1-k 1 1 1 1 1+k 1 k k k k² R₂ → R₂ - R₁ R₃ → R₃ - R₁ R₄ → R₄ - k·R₁
Solve

Rank of a matrix with parameters

It is reduced just like a system: swapping rows, multiplying one by a nonzero number, or adding a multiple of another to it does not change the rank.

When the matrix depends on two parameters $a$ and $b$, the condition for the rank to drop can be an equation with two unknowns, and you have to describe what happens in each case.

The a–b parameter plane with a critical line where the rank drops and isolated points where it drops even further. a b critical line (lower rank) off the line: maximum rank
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Determine the rank of the following matrix $B$ by studying its minors: $B = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 & 1 \\ 2 & 4 & 6 \end{pmatrix}$ Give reasons to state…

Determine the rank of the following matrix $B$ by studying its minors:

$B = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 & 1 \\ 2 & 4 & 6 \end{pmatrix}$

Give reasons to state whether the rank is $1$, $2$ or $3$.

Solve
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Consider the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & m & 1 \\ m & 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 2 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$. a) Calculate the determinant of $A$ as a function of the parameter $m$. b)…

Consider the matrix $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & m & 1 \\ m & 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 2 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$.

  1. a) Calculate the determinant of $A$ as a function of the parameter $m$.
  1. b) Determine the rank of the matrix $A$ according to the values of $m$.
Solve
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Determine the rank of the matrix $A$ according to the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$: $$A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & a & 1 & 2 \\ 2 & b & 2 & 4 \\ 1 & 1 & a & 2…

Determine the rank of the matrix $A$ according to the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$:

$$A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & a & 1 & 2 \\ 2 & b & 2 & 4 \\ 1 & 1 & a & 2 \end{pmatrix}$$

To carry out the study, use the method of bordered minors and explain in detail under what conditions the rank is 1, 2 or 3.

Solve

Summary

Go back to the beginning: the app's key matrix can be reversed if and only if its determinant is nonzero; and to compute the inverse key, the adjugate or a well-solved matrix equation is enough.

See all the exercises in this section