Vandermonde Determinant

[Jbjeens]

Hi!

I'm a bit confused on how I would compute a Vandermonde Determinant to a matrix. Is there a set formula I need to memorize? Any help would be appreciated. Maybe even a reliable link that could give me a step by step procedure on how to compute this?

[Landau]

I am not sure what you mean. There is no such thing as "a Vandermonde determinant" of an arbitrary matrix. There is a special matrix, the "Vandermonde matrix", whose determinant comes up in some places, so it is a well-known quantity. See e.g. here (http://www.proofwiki.org/wiki/Vandermonde_Determinant).

[Jbjeens]

I am not sure what you mean. There is no such thing as "a Vandermonde determinant" of an arbitrary matrix. There is a special matrix, the "Vandermonde matrix", whose determinant comes up in some places, so it is a well-known quantity. See e.g. here (http://www.proofwiki.org/wiki/Vandermonde_Determinant).

Hi Landau,

Thanks for the reply! Fortunately, I now understand the Vandermonde Determinant. I learned it on my own last night. And yes! I also understand that it isn't just for any matrix! Your reply is much appreciated. Thank you!