## Inverting 3 by 3 matricies

Anyone know how to do it? Please provide an easy explination. Please help. Thank you.
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 Isn't it like inverting any other form of matrix? You write up your matrix and the identity matrix like so: Code: a b c | 1 0 0 d e f | 0 1 0 g h i | 0 0 1 And perform Gaussian elimination until you reach: Code: 1 0 0 | x y z 0 1 0 | p q w 0 0 1 | r t u Then the matrix to the right of the |-signs is the inverse you're looking for.
 Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus Yep. There are other methods (cofactors divided by determinant) but row-reduction is the simplest.

## Inverting 3 by 3 matricies

 Originally posted by Muzza Isn't it like inverting any other form of matrix? You write up your matrix and the identity matrix like so: Code: a b c | 1 0 0 d e f | 0 1 0 g h i | 0 0 1 And perform Gaussian elimination until you reach: Code: 1 0 0 | x y z 0 1 0 | p q w 0 0 1 | r t u Then the matrix to the right of the |-signs is the inverse you're looking for.
Awesome! But.. umm... what is Gaussian elimination?
 Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus If you are going to ask questions about Linear Algebra it would be a good idea to read at least the first few chapters of a textbook on linear algebra! "Gaussian Elimination" is basically the method of "elimination of variables" to solve a system of equations- multiply one equation by a number, add to another in order to eliminate one of the variables. It is often used specifically to denote the same thing applied to matrices of coefficients of the equations.
 Oh, that? I get it. Thank you.
 hello. It would also be better to practice solving for the inverse of a matrix. And, it would be easier for you if you know know the topic by heart. =) Of course, not all matrices have an inverse, or what we call a nonsingular matrix. This is very "special" later in the topic. One example is the use of determinants. Start with basics

 Originally posted by franz32 Of course, not all matrices have an inverse, or what we call a nonsingular matrix. This is very "special" later in the topic. One example is the use of determinants. Start with basics

Yeah if the determinant of a matrix is zero, it does not contain an inverse and is a nonsingular matrix.
 Recognitions: Gold Member Staff Emeritus You've got singular and nonsingular backward. Singular matrices have zero determinants and don't have inverses, because in computing the inverse you divide by the determinant (even if you don't think you do!) and dividing by zero is a "singular" mathematical operation, i.e. not defined. Nonsingular matrices do have inverses, and necessarily then they have nonzero determinants.
 I believe the formula for the inverse of a nxn matrix is inverse of A = 1/(det(A)) * adj(A) i speak under correction. we did this last year and i have forgotten most of last year's stuff during the holidays [:D]