Proof of derivative of determinant

[unfunf22]

Homework Statement

Given n² functions f_ij, each differentiable on an interval (a,b), define F(x) = det[f_ij] for each x in (a,b). Prove that the derivative F'(x) is the sum of the n determinants, F'(x) = $$\sum_{i=0}^n det(Ai(x)).$$ where A_i(x) is the matrix obtained by differentiating the functions in the ith row of [f_ij(x)].

Homework Equations

To be honest I'm not completely sure what equations would be useful in this proof. I cannot get a good intuition on it.

I suppose Leibniz formula could be handy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_formula_for_determinants

Expansion by minors might be useful as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace_expansion

However, that is as far as my intuition will take me.

The Attempt at a Solution

This has been more of a sit and think process than a pen to paper one. I understand what I am supposed to do, but I have not the slightest idea what my intuition to this proof should be. I can't see how the determinant of the matrix would look (since I cannot diagonalize it or anything to make the determinant easy to calculate). I'm not very strong in my understanding of the Leibniz formula for determinants. I understand the idea behind minor's a bit better (delete i-row,j-column and take determinant of what is left). If I could get a feel for what the determinant of [f_ij(x)] would look like I might be able to see why the derivative would look like F'(x) = $$\sum_{i=0}^n det(Ai(x)).$$

I just need some intuition here, basically, and perhaps a good explanation of the weapons in my arsenal that would help me do this proof.

-Ian

 

[Office_Shredder]

Think about writing out the determinant as summing over every possible term $$\Pi f_{ij}$$ where no pair of f_ij is from the same row or column. Then think about the product rule

 

[unfunf22]

So you are saying use leibniz and match its behavior to that of the product rule? Is there not a way to do this inductively?

 

[Office_Shredder]

I guess you can. If you expand by minors along a row, take the derivative of that, and then use your inductive step to find the derivative of the minors

 

[unfunf22]

Alright. Well I am using Leibniz to informally argue it at the moment. I'll see if that pans out.

 

[unfunf22]

I was able to prove it thanks to the general formula for the product rule of n functions. Thanks!