Proving the Differential of $\det (A)$ with Differentiable Elements of t

[syj]

Homework Statement

PROVE:
If A(t) is nxn with elements which are differentiable functions of t
Then:
\frac{d}{dt}(det(A))=\sumdet(A_i(t))
where A_i(t) is found by differentiating the i^th row only.

Homework Equations

I know I should prove this by induction on n

The Attempt at a Solution

Consider the matrix A₁ being a 1x1 matrix
So n=1
the derivative of the determinant is the same as the derivative of that one row, therefore the theorem holds for n=1

assume the proof will hold true for n=k call this matrix A_k

now prove the theorem holds true for n=k+1
\frac{d}{dt}(det(A_k+1)) =\frac{d}{dt}(det(A₁)+\frac{d}{dt}(det(A_k))
AND
\sum(det(A_k+1) = \sumdet(A₁)+\sumdet(A_k)

Is this it?
have I proved it?

 

[Tomer]

I had posted the exact same question a while ago and was too lazy to solve it.

I can't understand how you justify your first equation.
I can assure you the proof is much longer.

 

[syj]

The determinant of a 1x1 matrix is equal to that one entry in the matrix isn't it?
so the derivative of the determinant is equal to the derivative of the one function in A.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Homework Statement

PROVE:
If A(t) is nxn with elements which are differentiable functions of t
Then:
\frac{d}{dt}(det(A))=\sumdet(A_i(t))
where A_i(t) is found by differentiating the i^th row only.

Homework Equations

I know I should prove this by induction on n

Sounds like an excellent plan!

The Attempt at a Solution

Consider the matrix A₁ being a 1x1 matrix
So n=1
the derivative of the determinant is the same as the derivative of that one row, therefore the theorem holds for n=1

Good.

assume the proof will hold true for n=k call this matrix A_k

now prove the theorem holds true for n=k+1
\frac{d}{dt}(det(A_k+1)) =\frac{d}{dt}(det(A₁)+\frac{d}{dt}(det(A_k))

Now, you have lost me. A "k+1 by k+ 1" determinant is NOT the sum of a 1 by 1 matrix and a k by k determinant which what you appear to be saying since you just use the "sum rule" for the derivative.

And \sum(det(A_k+1) = \sumdet(A₁)+\sumdet(A_k)

Is this it?
have I proved it?

What is true is that a determinant can be "expanded" on one row. That is, we can, for example, expand by the first row. The k+1 by k+1 determinant is the sum of each entry in the first row time (plus or minus) the k by k matrix got by removing the first row and appropriate column. Use that to do a proof by induction.

 

[syj]

I knew there was something fishy about my proof.
It just seemed too simple
I shall try to follow your advice ;)
I guarantee I shall be posting questions soon :)
thanks again