Lesson 4 The Determinant of a Matrix Solidify Understanding
Learning Focus
Examine a new strategy for finding the multiplicative inverse of a matrix.
Is it possible to divide by a matrix? How is division defined?
How does the idea that “dividing by
Open Up the Math: Launch, Explore, Discuss
In the previous task we learned how to find the multiplicative inverse of a matrix. Use that process to find the multiplicative inverse of the following two matrices.
1.
2.
3.
Were you able to find the multiplicative inverse for both matrices?
There is a number associated with every square matrix called the determinant of the matrix. If the determinant is not equal to
For a
The determinant of a
4.
Using this rule, find the determinant of the two matrices given in problems 1 and 2.
The absolute value of the determinant of a
Draw one side of the parallelogram with endpoints at
and . Draw a second side of the parallelogram with endpoints at
and . Locate the fourth vertex that completes the parallelogram.
(Note that the elements in the columns of the matrix are used to define the endpoints of the vectors that form two sides of the parallelogram.)
5.
Use the diagram to show that the area of the parallelogram is given by
6.
Draw the parallelograms whose areas represent the determinants of the two matrices listed in problems 1 and 2. How does a
7.
Create a matrix for which the determinant will be negative. Draw the parallelogram associated with the determinant of your matrix on graph paper and find the area of the parallelogram. What observations can you make?
Pause and Reflect
The determinant can be used to provide an alternative method for finding the inverse of
8.
Use the process you used previously to find the inverse of a generic
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Use your previous work to explain this strategy for finding the inverse of a
Ready for More?
When working with real numbers, we know that dividing by a number is equivalent to multiplying by the reciprocal, or multiplicative inverse of that number. For example,
How do we divide matrices? Typically, matrix division isn’t treated as an operation. Rather, we can interpret matrix division as multiplying by the multiplicative inverse. How might we find the matrix that is the “quotient “of two matrices, such as
Takeaways
The multiplicative inverse of a
When the determinant is .
Adding Notation, Vocabulary, and Conventions
The determinant of a matrix can be associated with
This number is important because
A square matrix that has a nonzero determinant
A square matrix for which the determinant is
For a
For a
Vocabulary
- determinant of a matrix
- Bold terms are new in this lesson.
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, we learned a second method for finding the multiplicative inverse of a
1.
Describe the row operations that occurred between the first and second matrix.
2.
These matrices come from a system of linear equations. Continue using row operations to find the solutions for the system.
3.
Determine whether the system of equations contains lines that are parallel, perpendicular, or neither.
A.
parallel
B.
perpendicular
C.
neither