Find $\det(A+B)$ given $\det(A)=4$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the determinant of a matrix formed by linear combinations of the columns of another matrix, specifically given that the determinant of the original matrix \( A \) is 4. Participants explore the properties of determinants, including multilinearity and the incorrect assumption that \( \det(A+B) = \det(A) + \det(B) \).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method to calculate \( \det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) \) using the assumption that \( \det(A+B) = \det(A) + \det(B) \).
  • Another participant challenges this assumption by providing a counterexample with matrices \( A \) and \( B \) that leads to a determinant of zero.
  • Some participants discuss the multilinearity of determinants and suggest that this property can be used to derive the determinant of the new matrix.
  • There are repeated mentions of the importance of recognizing when columns are linearly dependent, which results in a determinant of zero.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the next steps in their calculations and seeks clarification on how to manipulate the determinant.
  • Another participant points out mistakes in the calculations and emphasizes the need to apply determinant properties correctly.
  • There is a reference to the alternating nature of determinants and how interchanging columns affects the determinant's value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the assumption \( \det(A+B) = \det(A) + \det(B) \) is incorrect, but there is no consensus on the correct approach to calculate \( \det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) \). Multiple competing views and methods are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for further application of determinant calculation rules and the importance of understanding properties such as linearity and the effects of column interchanges. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the calculations presented.

Petrus
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Let $u,v,w$ be the three columns in a 3 x 3 - matrix $A$. Determinant to matrix $A$ can then be considered as a function of $u,v,w$. Assume that $\det(u,v,w)= \det(A)=4$ then find $\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v)$.

My progress:

I start with:

$\det(A+B)= \det(A)+\det(B)$

$\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v)=\det(v, w+3u,u+3v)+\det(9w, w+3u, u+3v) =$

$\det( v, w, u+3v) + \det(v, 3u, u+3v) + \det(9w, w, u+3v) + \det(9w, 3u, u+3v) = $

$\det(v, w, u) + \det(v, w , 3v) + \det(v, 3u, u) + \det(v, 3u, 3v) + \det(9w, w, u) + $

$\det(9w, w, 3v) + \det(9w, 3u, u) + \det(9w, u, 3v)$
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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It's best to point out that $\det (A+B) = \det A + \det B$ is invalid! Take $A = I_2$ and $B = - I_2$. Then $A+B = 0_2$ but $\det A = 1$ and $\det B = 1$, whereas $\det (A+B) = 0$.
 
Petrus said:
Let $u,v,w$ be the three columns in a 3 x 3 - matrix $A$. Determinant to matrix $A$ can then be considered as a function of $u,v,w$. Assume that $\det(u,v,w)= \det(A)=4$ then find $\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v)$.

My progress:

I start with:

$\det(A+B)= \det(A)+\det(B)$

$\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v)=\det(v, w+3u,u+3v)+\det(9w, w+3u, u+3v) =$

$\det( v, w, u+3v) + \det(v, 3u, u+3v) + \det(9w, w, u+3v) + \det(9w, 3u, u+3v) = $

$\det(v, w, u) + \det(v, w , 3v) + \det(v, 3u, u) + \det(v, 3u, 3v) + \det(9w, w, u) + $

$\det(9w, w, 3v) + \det(9w, 3u, u) + \det(9w, u, 3v)$

As Fantini already stated, $\det(A+B)= \det(A)+\det(B)$ is not true.

You can use $\det(A \cdot B)= \det(A) \cdot \det(B)$.
And consider that
$$(\mathbf v+9\mathbf w, \mathbf w+3\mathbf u, \mathbf u+3\mathbf v) = (\mathbf u, \mathbf v, \mathbf w) \cdot \begin{bmatrix}0&3&1\\ 1&0&3\\ 9&1&1\end{bmatrix}$$
 
But if I use that determinant is multilinear then i can?
 
Petrus said:
But if I use that determinant is multilinear then i can?

Your method of calculation does work.
It's just your statement about $\det(A+B) = \det(A)+\det(B)$ that is not true.
It should be:
$$\det(\lambda\mathbf a + \mu\mathbf b, \mathbf v, \mathbf w) = \lambda\det(\mathbf a, \mathbf v, \mathbf w) + \mu\det(\mathbf b, \mathbf v, \mathbf w)$$

But what is your question then?
Seems as if you need to continue applying determinant calculation rules.
See properties of the determinant on wiki.
 
Last edited:
Edited my previous post.
 
I like Serena said:
As Fantini already stated, $\det(A+B)= \det(A)+\det(B)$ is not true.

You can use $\det(A \cdot B)= \det(A) \cdot \det(B)$.
And consider that
$$(\mathbf v+9\mathbf w, \mathbf w+3\mathbf u, \mathbf u+3\mathbf v) = (\mathbf u, \mathbf v, \mathbf w) \cdot \begin{bmatrix}0&3&1\\ 1&0&3\\ 9&1&1\end{bmatrix}$$
Ignore this you did edit ur post op so
 
progress so far:
$\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) =9\det(v, w+3u, u+3v) + 9\det(w, w+3u, u+3v) =$
$27\det(v, w, u+3v) + 27\det(w, u, u+3v) + 27\det(w, w, u+3v) + 27\det(w, u, u+3v)$
$= 81\det(v, w, u) + 81\det(v, w, v) + 81\det(w, u, u) + 81\det(w, u, v)+$
$81/det(w, w, u) + 81\det(w, w, v) + 81\det(w, u, u) + 81\det(w, u, v)$

The next step I am kinda unsure how to do it, I guess ima swap road or something and try get exemple $\det(w, w, w)$ cause that is equal to zero? I am correct? How do i swap row or column?
 
Petrus said:
progress so far:
$\det(v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) =9\det(v, w+3u, u+3v) + 9\det(w, w+3u, u+3v) =$

You have a 9 instead of a 1. It should be:

$\det(1v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) =1\det(v, w+3u, u+3v) + 9\det(w, w+3u, u+3v) =$

$27\det(v, w, u+3v) + 27\det(w, u, u+3v) + 27\det(w, w, u+3v) + 27\det(w, u, u+3v)$

You have repeated the same mistake here.

$= 81\det(v, w, u) + 81\det(v, w, v) + 81\det(w, u, u) + 81\det(w, u, v)+$
$81/det(w, w, u) + 81\det(w, w, v) + 81\det(w, u, u) + 81\det(w, u, v)$

The next step I am kinda unsure how to do it, I guess ima swap road or something and try get exemple $\det(w, w, w)$ cause that is equal to zero? I am correct? How do i swap row or column?

From the wiki section I linked to before:
8. This n-linear function is an alternating form. This means that whenever two columns of a matrix are identical, or more generally some column can be expressed as a linear combination of the other columns (i.e. the columns of the matrix form a linearly dependent set), its determinant is 0.​

So for instance $\det(w,w,u)=0$.Also from that wiki section:
11. Interchanging two columns of a matrix multiplies its determinant by −1. This follows from properties 7 and 8 (it is a general property of multilinear alternating maps). Iterating gives that more generally a permutation of the columns multiplies the determinant by the sign of the permutation. Similarly a permutation of the rows multiplies the determinant by the sign of the permutation.​

So $\det(u, v, w)=-\det(v, u, w)$.
 
  • #10
I like Serena said:
You have a 9 instead of a 1. It should be:

$\det(1v+9w, w+3u, u+3v) =1\det(v, w+3u, u+3v) + 9\det(w, w+3u, u+3v) =$
You have repeated the same mistake here.
From the wiki section I linked to before:
8. This n-linear function is an alternating form. This means that whenever two columns of a matrix are identical, or more generally some column can be expressed as a linear combination of the other columns (i.e. the columns of the matrix form a linearly dependent set), its determinant is 0.​

So for instance $\det(w,w,u)=0$.Also from that wiki section:
11. Interchanging two columns of a matrix multiplies its determinant by −1. This follows from properties 7 and 8 (it is a general property of multilinear alternating maps). Iterating gives that more generally a permutation of the columns multiplies the determinant by the sign of the permutation. Similarly a permutation of the rows multiplies the determinant by the sign of the permutation.​

So $\det(u, v, w)=-\det(v, u, w)$.
Thanks Serena!
I got it correct and now I understand more about this! Thanks for taking your time and giving me great explain!
 

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