Determinants between two similar matrices

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between two matrices, one with two identical rows and the other being a 4x4 matrix. The question is whether having two identical rows in a matrix implies equality of determinants. However, it is pointed out that the determinants may be different if the other rows are different. The value of the determinant involves all elements of a matrix and it is possible to perform row operations to make the determinants equal. Therefore, the question is revised to ask about the true relationship between the determinants of the two matrices.
  • #1
NATURE.M
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Lets suppose a 4×4 matrix A has two identical rows with some other 4×4 matrix B. Does that imply there determinant is equal? Or does it really say nothing about how the determinants of the two matrices are related.
 
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  • #2
As long as the other rows may be different, the determinants may be different.
 
  • #3
Why should two identical rows imply equality of determinants? The value of the determinant involves ALL of the elements of a matrix.
 
  • #4
I mistakingly asked this question prematurely--not releasing that I could of easily performed row operations to enable the determinants of the two matrices to be the same.
 
  • #5
So would you mind now telling us what the question really is?
 

FAQ: Determinants between two similar matrices

1. What are determinants between two similar matrices?

Determinants between two similar matrices refer to the relationship between two matrices that have the same dimensions and corresponding elements. These matrices may differ in their order of rows and columns but have the same values. The determinant is a scalar value that is calculated based on the elements of a matrix and is used to determine the properties of the matrix.

2. How do you calculate the determinant of two similar matrices?

The determinant of two similar matrices can be calculated by finding the product of the elements in the main diagonal of the matrix and subtracting the product of the elements in the opposite diagonal. This process is repeated for each sub-matrix until all the elements have been multiplied and subtracted. The resulting value is the determinant of the matrix.

3. What does the determinant tell us about two similar matrices?

The determinant of two similar matrices can tell us whether the matrices are invertible or not. If the determinant is equal to zero, then the matrices are not invertible. Additionally, the determinant can also provide information about the scaling factor between the two matrices, which can be used to determine their relationship.

4. What is the significance of determinants in linear algebra?

Determinants play a crucial role in linear algebra as they are used to solve systems of linear equations, determine the invertibility of matrices, and calculate the area and volume of geometric shapes. They also provide valuable insights into the properties of matrices and can be used to simplify complex calculations involving matrices.

5. Can the determinant of two similar matrices be negative?

Yes, the determinant of two similar matrices can be negative. The sign of the determinant is determined by the number of row interchanges that are needed to convert the matrix into an upper triangular form. If an odd number of row interchanges are needed, then the determinant will be negative. If an even number of row interchanges are needed, then the determinant will be positive.

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