Determinant of 4x4 Matrix: Is the Method Used in the Video Accurate?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the accuracy of a method for calculating the determinant of a 4x4 matrix, specifically the matrix with elements: 1, -2, 3, -4; 5, 6, -7, 8; -9, -10, 11, -12; -13, 14, -15, 16. The user calculated a determinant of -3264 using a specific expansion method but found a discrepancy when comparing it to an online determinant calculator, which returned a result of 0. The consensus is that the method used is incorrect for 4x4 matrices, and the correct determinant is indeed 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix operations and determinants
  • Familiarity with the properties of determinants for n x n matrices
  • Experience with matrix expansion techniques
  • Basic knowledge of online matrix calculation tools
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of determinants, specifically for 4x4 matrices
  • Learn about the cofactor expansion method for calculating determinants
  • Explore the use of online matrix calculators for verification of results
  • Investigate common pitfalls in determinant calculations for larger matrices
USEFUL FOR

Students studying linear algebra, mathematicians, and anyone involved in computational mathematics who needs to accurately calculate determinants of matrices.

ZedCar
Messages
353
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



I was using the method shown in the following video;


to find the determinant for the following 4x4 matrix

1 -2 3 -4
5 6 -7 8
-9 -10 11 -12
-13 14 -15 16



The Attempt at a Solution



I was therefore expanding this out by using the first three columns set to the right of this matrix.

Is this the correct thing to do if using this method?

I get an answer of -3264

Though when I use this online determinant calculator
http://www.bluebit.gr/matrix-calculator/
it provides an answer of 0
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Apparently this method simply doesn't work for a 4x4 matrix.
And I've been told the correct answer is zero.

Just that our lecturer stated when finding the determinant using this method;

nxn determinant
add n-1 columns

So I thought by this he meant doing what I had done above.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K