Can a Matrix with Only 1s and -1s Have a Determinant Divisible by 2^(n-1)?

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In summary, a determinant is a mathematical value that represents the scaling factor of a transformation represented by a square matrix. For matrices with only 1s and -1s, the determinant can have values of either 1 or -1. The number 2^(n-1) is significant in relation to the number of ways a matrix with n rows and n columns can be filled with only 1s and -1s, and it is also the highest possible value for the determinant of such a matrix. It is not possible for a matrix with only 1s and -1s to have a determinant that is not divisible by 2^(n-1). An example of a matrix with only 1s and -1s that
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Ackbach
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N.B. There has been a correction in this problem, thanks to Opalg. It should read correctly now.

Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $A$ be an $n\times n$ matrix whose entries are only $1$ or $-1$. Show that $2^{n-1}$ divides $\det(A)$.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to Opalg for his correct and, may I say, very elegant and direct solution, not even requiring mathematical induction! See the spoiler for his solution:

Solution using elementary row operations.

Let $B$ be the matrix obtained from $A$ by subtracting the top row from every other row. Then $\det(B) = \det(A).$ The top row of $B$ will consist of $\pm1$s. Each element of every other row will be of the form $\pm1 \pm 1$, so will be equal to $0$ or $\pm2$. So we can take a factor $2$ out of each of these $n-1$ rows, leaving a matrix $C$ in which every element is $0$ or $\pm1$. Then $\det( C)$ will be an integer, and $\det(A) = \det(B) = 2^{n-1}\det( C).$ So $\det(A)$ is a multiple of $2^{n-1}.$
 

FAQ: Can a Matrix with Only 1s and -1s Have a Determinant Divisible by 2^(n-1)?

Can you explain the concept of a determinant and how it relates to matrices with only 1s and -1s?

A determinant is a mathematical value that can be calculated for a square matrix. It is denoted by "det(A)" or "|A|" and represents the scaling factor of the transformation represented by the matrix. For matrices with only 1s and -1s, the determinant can have values of either 1 or -1.

What is the significance of the number 2^(n-1) in the question?

The number 2^(n-1) is significant because it represents the number of ways that a matrix with n rows and n columns can be filled with only 1s and -1s. It is also the highest possible value that a determinant of a matrix with n rows and n columns can have when filled with only 1s and -1s.

Is it possible for a matrix with only 1s and -1s to have a determinant that is not divisible by 2^(n-1)?

No, it is not possible for a matrix with only 1s and -1s to have a determinant that is not divisible by 2^(n-1). This is because the determinant can only have values of 1 or -1 for such matrices, and both of these values are divisible by 2^(n-1).

Can you provide an example of a matrix with only 1s and -1s that has a determinant divisible by 2^(n-1)?

One example is the matrix [1 -1; -1 1], which has a determinant of 2. This determinant is divisible by 2^(2-1) = 2.

How does the divisibility of a matrix's determinant by 2^(n-1) relate to its invertibility?

The divisibility of a matrix's determinant by 2^(n-1) is related to its invertibility in that a matrix with a determinant that is not divisible by 2^(n-1) is not invertible. This means that the matrix cannot be reversed or "undone" using a matrix of the same size, and it may not have a unique solution for a system of equations represented by the matrix.

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