Solving Equations for Cofactors of x, y, and z in the Determinant

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the cofactors of variables x, y, and z in the determinant of a 3x3 matrix. The original poster presents equations derived from the determinant but questions their validity and the method for solving them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of calculating cofactors and determinants, with some questioning the original poster's approach to forming equations from the determinant. There are attempts to clarify the definition and calculation of cofactors, with references to specific methods and examples.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of cofactors and determinants. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation process, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's method or the equations presented.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the definitions and calculations of cofactors, with some participants noting that the original poster's expressions do not constitute equations. The original problem does not specify a need to solve for x, y, and z, leading to further questioning of assumptions.

thomas49th
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Find the cofactors of x,y,z, in the determinate:

| 1 1 1 |
| 2 3 4 |
| x y z |

I can make 3 equations from this by taking the determinate from each line
z - 2y + x
x - 2y + z
z - 6y - x

but how do I solve these? Have I done the right thing? I know they all equal each other

Thanks
Tom?
 
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you can take the determinant starting at any column or row, as lonag as you;re careful with negatives

i think the quetsion is asking you to take the determeinant using the bottom row to start off, then it will be something like

det = +-(x(det(2x2)) -y(det(2x2))+ zdet(2x2)
 
the cofactors for x,y,z are the correspsonding 2x2 determinants
 
thomas49th said:
I can make 3 equations from this by taking the determinate from each line
z - 2y + x
x - 2y + z
z - 6y - x
by the way how do you get these?
 
thomas49th said:
Find the cofactors of x,y,z, in the determinate:

| 1 1 1 |
| 2 3 4 |
| x y z |

I can make 3 equations from this by taking the determinate from each line
z - 2y + x
x - 2y + z
z - 6y - x

but how do I solve these? Have I done the right thing? I know they all equal each other

Thanks
Tom?
First, those are not even equations. Second, why? The problem doesn't say anything about "solving", it only asks for cofactors. Do you know what cofactors are?
 
+ - +
- + -
+ - +

for a 3x3.

The cofactor is taken from the matrix above and placed infront of the orignal matrix element.

in a
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

the cofactors of row 2 are
-4, +5, -6

is that correct?

EDIT:
I got those equations by taking the determinants of each row. I know that they all equal each other, but I', not sure if that helps!?
You're right HallsOfIvy - those arn't equations, they don't equal anything (except each other). they're just expressions! Silly me!
Thanks
Tom
 
Last edited:
thomas49th said:
+ - +
- + -
+ - +

for a 3x3.

The cofactor is taken from the matrix above and placed infront of the orignal matrix element.

in a
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

the cofactors of row 2 are
-4, +5, -6

is that correct?

have a look here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cofactor_(linear_algebra )

the cofactor is specific to an element this is what i get

so take the first element of the 2nd row (4) this is row i = 2, column j = 1

the cofactor Cij of 4, is
[tex]C_{12} = (-1)^{1+2}\left| \begin{matrix} 2&3\\ 8&9 \end{matrix} \right|<br /> = (-1)(2.9 - 3.8) = -(18 - 24) = 6[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ahh once again I've miss understood the workbook. Cofactors are minors with a sign attached, not just the sign!

[tex]A_{31} = 1<br /> A_{32} = -2<br /> A_{33} = 1[/tex]

Thank you very much!
 

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