Can the basis minor of a matrix be the matrix itself?

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    Basis Matrix Minor
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The discussion centers on the concept of basis minors in linear algebra, specifically regarding square matrices. A basis minor of an n x n matrix is defined as the largest non-zero minor, which can indeed be the matrix itself if its determinant is non-zero. Consequently, if the determinant of the matrix is non-zero, its rank equals n, confirming that the order of the largest non-vanishing minor is also n.

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Hello

I am trying to learn linear algebra, and I came across this definition of basis minor on this webpage:

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Linear_Algebra/Linear_Dependence_of_Columns

"The rank of a matrix is the maximum order of a minor that does not equal 0. The minor of a matrix with the order of the rank of the matrix is called a basis minor of the matrix, and the columns that the minor includes are called the basis columns."

Does this mean that if the determinant of the matrix does not equal zero, then its basis minor is just itself, and its rank is just the same as its order?

Thank you
 
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That sounds right. For an ## n \times n ## matrix, the order of a minor is allowed to be the same as ## n ##. If the determinant of the whole matrix does not vanish, then rank is ## n ##, and the order of the largest non-vanishing minor is also ## n ##.
 
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Geofleur said:
For an ## n \times n ## matrix, the order of a minor is allowed to be the same as ## n ##.

Thanks Geofleur. I thought so but just wasn't sure.
 

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