University of Kelaniya
Bachelor of Business Honours in Financial Engineering
BBFE 21513 Linear Algebra
Lecture Note 04
Determinants
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In this lesson, we will study about
1. how to define a determinant of a matrix
2. how to find minors and cofactors
3. how to find the determinant of order 2 and 3 matrices.
Definition: Determinant
Determinant of a 2x2 matrix is denoted by or is equal
to
A convenient method for remembering the formula is given in the diagram:
Determinant is the difference of the products of the two diagonals of the matrix.
Note that the order is important
The determinant of a matrix of order 1: , then
Dr. K.K.K.R.Perera. Page 1
To define the determinant of a matrix or order higher than 2, we will use the notions
cofactors and minors.
Minor of is (Delete first row and first column and find
the determinant)
Cofactor of is
As you can see, the minors and cofactors of a matrix can differ only in sign. To find the
cofactors of a matrix, first find the minors and then apply the checkerboard pattern of ‘+’
and ‘-‘ as shown below:
Dr. K.K.K.R.Perera. Page 2
When you use this definition to find determinant, you have to expand cofactors in the
first row.
Alternate Method
There is an alternative method commonly used for evaluating the determinnat of a 3x3
matrix.
1. Copy the first and second columns of to fourth and fifth columns.
2. Determinant is the adding or subtraction of the products of six diagonals
Dr. K.K.K.R.Perera. Page 3
EXAMPLE 4:
Using the alternate method find the determinant
Verify the answer by calculating cofactors
Dr. K.K.K.R.Perera. Page 4
