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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ackbach
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2015
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the problem of determining whether the determinant of an $n \times n$ matrix, consisting solely of entries of 1s and -1s, is divisible by \(2^{n-1}\). The problem was clarified by user Opalg, who provided a direct solution that does not rely on mathematical induction. The conclusion is that indeed, \(2^{n-1}\) divides \(\det(A)\) for such matrices, confirming the validity of the assertion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix determinants
  • Familiarity with properties of matrices with binary entries
  • Knowledge of divisibility in number theory
  • Basic concepts of mathematical induction (for context)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of determinants in matrices with binary entries
  • Study the application of the Sylvester's law of inertia in matrix theory
  • Learn about advanced techniques in combinatorial matrix theory
  • Investigate other divisibility properties of determinants in various matrix types
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, students studying linear algebra, and anyone interested in combinatorial properties of matrices.

Ackbach
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
4,148
Reaction score
94
N.B. There has been a correction in this problem, thanks to Opalg. It should read correctly now.

Here is this week's POTW:

-----

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

-----

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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 $2^{n-1}.$
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K