4.

Matrix Determinants
STAT 1115: Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
2nd Semester, A.Y. 2024-2025

CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS Learning Outcomes
After completing this chapter, the student must be able to:
1. Describe matrix determinants.
2. Identify the different properties of matrix determinants.
3. Compute matrix determinants.
4. Determine the adjoint matrix.

Matrix Determinants | 2
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix. The determinant of 𝐀, denoted by
𝐝𝐞𝐭(𝐀) or 𝐀 , is defined by

det 𝐀 = 𝐀 = ෍ ± 𝑎1𝑗1 𝑎2𝑗2 … 𝑎𝑛𝑗𝑛

where the summation is over all permutations 𝑗1 𝑗2 … 𝑗𝑛 . The sign is taken as

+ or − according to some certain rules. Each term in det 𝐀 , with its
appropriate sign, is a product of 𝑛 entries of 𝐴 with exactly one entry from
each row and exactly one entry from each column.
• A determinant is a unique real number corresponding to a square matrix.
• The determinant of a (square) matrix of order 𝑛 is referred to as an 𝑛-
order determinant.
Special Matrices | 3
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Determinants of a 𝟏 × 𝟏 Matrix
Definition 4.1.1: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎11 be a 1 × 1 matrix. The determinant of 𝐀 is
defined to be 𝑎11 , its only entry.
det 𝐀 = 𝐀 = 𝑎11 = 𝒂𝟏𝟏

Example 1:
a. Let 𝐀 = 14 then, 𝐀 = 𝟏𝟒.
b. Let 𝐁 = − 3 then, 𝐁 = − 𝟑.

Special Matrices | 4
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Determinants of a 𝟐 × 𝟐 Matrix
𝑎11 𝑎12
Definition 4.1.2: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎 𝑎 be a 2 × 2 matrix. The determinant of
21 22
𝐀 is defined to be
𝐀 = 𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟐 − 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟏
Finding the determinant of a 2 × 2 matrix is just getting the product of the
entries in the main diagonal and the product of the two entries not in the
main diagonal, and then subtract the second product from the first. To
visualize it further, we have
𝑎11 𝑎12
𝐀 = 𝑎 𝑎 = 𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟐 − 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟏
21 22
(−) (+)
Special Matrices | 5
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Example 2:
4 7
a. Let 𝐂 = then,
2 6
𝐂 = 4 6 − 7 2 = 24 − 14 = 𝟏𝟎.

2 −2
b. Let 𝐃 = then,
4 −6
𝐃 = 2 −6 − −2 4 = −12 − (−8) = −𝟒.

sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥
c. Let 𝐄 = then,
− cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥
𝐄 = sin 𝑥 sin 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 − cos 𝑥
= sin2 𝑥 + cos2 𝑥 = 𝟏.

Special Matrices | 6
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Determinants of a 𝟑 × 𝟑 Matrix
𝑎11 𝑎12 𝑎13
Definition 4.1.3: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎21 𝑎22 𝑎23 be a 3 × 3 matrix. The determinant
𝑎31 𝑎32 𝑎33
of 𝐀 is defined to be
𝐀 = 𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝟑𝟑 + 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟑 𝒂𝟑𝟏 + 𝒂𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝟐𝟏 𝒂𝟑𝟐 − 𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟑 𝒂𝟑𝟐 − 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟏 𝒂𝟑𝟑 − 𝒂𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝟑𝟏
or
𝐀 = (𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝟑𝟑 + 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟑 𝒂𝟑𝟏 + 𝒂𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝟐𝟏 𝒂𝟑𝟐 ) − (𝒂𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝟐𝟑 𝒂𝟑𝟐 + 𝒂𝟏𝟐 𝒂𝟐𝟏 𝒂𝟑𝟑 + 𝒂𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝟑𝟏 )

Note: Each term in 𝐀 contains a factor from each row and column. That is true for all
determinants of a square matrix of any order.

Special Matrices | 7
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Rule of Sarrus (by Pierre Frédéric Sarrus)
We can also obtain the determinant of a 3×3 matrix A as follows:
i. Repeat the first two columns of A to form the fourth and fifth column, as
shown below.
ii. Form the sum of the products of the entries joined by the lines from left to
right, and subtract from this number the sum of the products of the entries
joined by the lines from right to left.
𝑎11 𝑎12 𝑎13 𝑎11 𝑎12
𝐀 = 𝑎21 𝑎22 𝑎23 𝑎21 𝑎22
𝑎31 𝑎32 𝑎33 𝑎31 𝑎32
(−) (+)
Special Matrices | 8
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Example 3:
6 1 1
a. Let 𝐅 = 4 −2 5 then,
2 8 7
6 1 1 6 1
𝐅 = 4 −2 5 4 −2
2 8 7 2 8

𝐅 = 6 −2 7 + 1 5 2 + (1)(4)(8) − 1 −2 2 + 6 5 8 + (1)(4)(7)
= −84 + 10 + 32 − −4 + 240 + 28
= −42 − 264
𝐅 = −𝟑𝟎𝟔

Special Matrices | 9
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.1 Definition of Matrix Determinants
Example 3:
1 2 3
b. Let 𝐆 = −2 1 4 then,
3 −1 2
1 2 3 1 2
𝐆 = −2 1 4 −2 1
3 −1 2 3 −1

𝐆 = 1 1 2 + 2 4 3 + (3)(−2)(−1) − 3 1 3 + 1 4 −1 + (2)(−2)(2)
= 2 + 24 + 6 − 9 − 4 − 8
= 32 − −3
𝐆 = 𝟑𝟓
Note: This technique works only for 3 × 3 matrices. Solving for the determinants of larger
matrices will use other concepts that will be discussed later on in this chapter.
Special Matrices | 10
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Transpose
Theorem 4.2.1: The determinant of a matrix 𝐀 and its transpose are equal, that
is
𝐀𝑇 = 𝐀 .
1 2 3
Illustration 4: Let’s use matrix 𝐆 from Example 3 (Slide 10), we have 𝐆 = −2 1 4.
3 −1 2
1 −2 3
It follows that 𝐆𝑇 = 2 1 −1 , then
3 4 2
𝐆𝑇 = 1 1 2 + −2 −1 3 + (3)(2)(4) − 3 1 3 + 1 −1 4 + (−2)(2)(2)
= 2 + 6 + 24 − 9 − 4 − 8
𝐆𝑇 = 35 = 𝐆
Special Matrices | 11
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.1: The determinant of a matrix 𝐀 and its transpose are equal, that
is
𝐀𝑇 = 𝐀 .

• This is true for all orders of square matrix.

• This property implies that interchanging row and column will not affect the
value of the determinant. Because of this property, we can now replace “row”
by “column” in the succeeding theorems about the determinant of a matrix 𝐀.

Special Matrices | 12
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.2: Let 𝐁 be the matrix obtained from matrix 𝐀 by
a. multiplying a row (or column) of 𝐀 by a nonzero scalar 𝑐, then 𝐁 = 𝑐 𝐀 .

3 6
Illustration 5: Let 𝐀 = . By Definition 4.1.2, 𝐀 = 3 −2 − 6 4 = −30.
4 −2
Now, multiply row 1 by 2 to obtain (can be denoted as 2𝑅1 → 𝑅1 )
6 12
𝐁=
4 −2
The determinant of 𝐁 is
6 12
𝐁 = = 6 −2 − 12 4 = −12 − 48 = −𝟔𝟎
4 −2
which is 2 times the determinant of 𝐀.

Special Matrices | 13
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.2: Let 𝐁 be the matrix obtained from matrix 𝐀 by
b. interchanging two rows (or two columns) of 𝐀, then 𝐁 = − 𝐀 .

6 1 1
Illustration 6: Let 𝐅 = 4 −2 5 . From Example 3a (Slide 9), 𝐅 = −306.
2 8 7
Now, interchange column 1 and column 3 to obtain (can be denoted as 𝐶1 𝐶3 )
1 1 6
𝐁 = 5 −2 4 , then
7 8 2
𝐁 = 1 −2 2 + 1 4 7 + (6)(5)(8) − 6 −2 7 + 1 4 8 + 1 5 2
= −4 + 28 + 240 − −84 + 32 + 10 = 264 − −42 = 𝟑𝟎𝟔
which is just the negation of the determinant of 𝐅.
Special Matrices | 14
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.2: Let 𝐁 be the matrix obtained from matrix 𝐀 by
c. adding a multiple of a row (or column) of 𝐀 to another, then 𝐁 = 𝐀 .

6 1 1
Illustration 7: Let 𝐅 = 4 −2 5 . From Example 3a (Slide 9), 𝐅 = −306.
2 8 7
Now, multiply row 3 by −2 and add it to row 2 to obtain (can be denoted as −2𝑅3 + 𝑅2 → 𝑅2 )
6 1 1
𝐁 = 0 −18 −9 , then
2 8 7
𝐁 = 6 −18 7 + 1 −9 2 + (1)(0)(8) − 1 −18 2 + 6 −9 8 + (1)(0)(7)
= −756 − 18 + 0 − −36 − 432 + 0 = −774 − −468 = −𝟑𝟎𝟔
which is just the same as the determinant of 𝐅.
Special Matrices | 15
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
The following table summarizes the effect of an elementary row (or
column) operation to the determinant of a square matrix

Type of elementary row (column)

Effect on the determinant
operation
Multiply a row (column) by a nonzero Determinant is multiplied
Theorem 4.2.2a
scalar 𝑐 by 𝑐
Theorem 4.2.2b Interchange any two rows (columns) Determinant changes sign
Add a multiple of one row (column) to
Theorem 4.2.2c No effect
another row (column)

Special Matrices | 16
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.3: Let 𝐀 be a square matrix.
a. If two rows (columns) of 𝐀 are equal, then 𝐀 = 0.

Proof:
• Suppose the rows 𝑚 and 𝑛 of 𝐀 are equal.
• Interchange rows 𝑚 and 𝑛 of 𝐀 to obtain a matrix 𝐁.
• By Theorem 4.2.2b, 𝐁 = − 𝐀 .
• But, since rows 𝑚 and 𝑛 are equal then 𝐁 = 𝐀. Consequently, 𝐁 = 𝐀 .
• By substitution,− 𝐀 = 𝐀 .
• It follows that 𝐀 = 0.
Proof for column is just the same.
Special Matrices | 17
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.3: Let 𝐀 be a square matrix.
a. If two rows (columns) of 𝐀 are equal, then 𝐀 = 0.

1 2 1
Illustration 8: Let 𝐀 = 2 3 2 , then
3 4 3
𝐀 = 1 3 3 + 2 2 3 + (1)(2)(4) − 1 3 3 + 1 2 4 + 2 2 3
= 9 + 12 + 8 − 9 + 8 + 12
= 29 − 29
𝐀 = 𝟎.

Special Matrices | 18
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.3: Let 𝐀 be a square matrix.
b. If a row (column) of 𝐀 consists entirely of zeroes, then 𝐀 = 0.

Proof:
• Let the 𝑛th column of 𝐀 consists entirely of zeroes.
• By definition of determinant, each term in 𝐀 contains a factor from each row and each
column. Then each term in the 𝐀 , will have a factor of zero and is equal to zero.
• Thus, 𝐀 = 0.
Proof for row is just the same.

Special Matrices | 19
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Theorem 4.2.3: Let 𝐀 be a square matrix.
b. If a row (column) of 𝐀 consists entirely of zeroes, then 𝐀 = 0.

1 −5
Illustration 9: Let 𝐁 = , then
0 0
𝐁 = 1 0 − −5 0 = 𝟎

Special Matrices | 20
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Product of Two Matrices
The determinant of the product of two matrices having the same size is equal to
the product of the determinants of the two matrices.
𝐀𝐁 = 𝐀 𝐁

1 2 6 5
Illustration 10: Let 𝐀 = and 𝐁 = , then
3 4 8 9
𝐀 = 1 4 − 2 3 = 4 − 6 = −2, and 𝐁 = 6 9 − 5 8 = 54 − 40 = 14

1 2 6 5 22 23
𝐀𝐁 = = , then 𝐀𝐁 = 22 51 − 23 50 = 1122 − 1150 = −28
3 4 8 9 50 51
Thus, 𝐀𝐁 = −𝟐𝟖 = −𝟐 𝟏𝟒 = 𝐀 𝐁 .

Special Matrices | 21
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS

Remarks:
1. This property holds for product of more than two factors, such as
𝐀𝐁𝐂 = 𝐀 𝐁 𝐂 , 𝐀𝐁𝐂𝐃 = 𝐀 𝐁 𝐂 𝐃 , and so on.
2. 𝐀𝐁 = 𝐁𝐀 , since 𝐀 𝐁 = 𝐁 𝐀 .

3. 𝐀2 = 𝐀 2 , since 𝐀2 = 𝐀𝐀 = 𝐀 𝐀 = 𝐀 𝟐 . Moreover, 𝐀𝑘 = 𝐀 𝑘

is an extension of this remark.

4. For orthogonal 𝐀, 𝐀 = ±1.
5. For idempotent 𝐀, 𝐀 = 0 or 1.
Matrix Determinants | 22
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Sum of Matrices
The determinant of the sum of two matrices having the same size is not equal to
the sum of the determinants of the two matrices.
𝐀+𝐁 ≠ 𝐀 + 𝐁 .
Likewise,
𝐀−𝐁 ≠ 𝐀 − 𝐁 .

1 2 6 5 7 7
Illustration 11: Let 𝐀 = and 𝐁 = , then 𝐀 + 𝐁 = , then
3 4 8 9 11 13
𝐀 + 𝐁 = 7 13 − 7 11 = 91 − 77 = 14

which is not the same as 𝐀 + 𝐁 = −2 + 14 = 12 ≠ 𝐀 + 𝐁 .

Special Matrices | 23
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Scalar Multiple
Theorem 4.2.4: Let 𝐀 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix and 𝑟 a scalar, then the determinant
of the scalar multiple 𝑟𝐀 is
𝑟𝐀 = 𝑟 𝑛 𝐀 .
(Proof is left as part of exercise)

1 2 5 10
Illustration 12: Let 𝐀 = and 𝑟 = 5, then 5𝐀 = .
3 4 15 20
𝐀 = 1 4 − 2 3 = 4 − 6 = −2
5𝐀 = 5 20 − 10 15 = 100 − 150 = −50

which is 5𝐀 = −50 = 52 −2 = 52 𝐀
Special Matrices | 24
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
1 2 3
Illustration 13: Let 𝐆 = −2 1 4 , find the determinant of −2𝐆.
3 −1 2
From Example 3b (Slide 10), we already computed that 𝐆 = 35. Then,
det −2𝐆 = −2𝐆 = (−2)3 𝐆 (since 𝐆 is 3 × 3)
= −8 35
= −𝟐𝟖𝟎
Verify!

Special Matrices | 25
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Diagonal Matrix
The determinant of a diagonal matrix 𝐀𝑛×𝑛 is equal to the product of its
diagonal elements.
𝑛

𝐀 = ෑ 𝑎𝑖𝑖 = 𝑎11 𝑎22 … 𝑎𝑛𝑛

𝑖=1

2 0 0
Illustration 14: Let 𝐂 = 0 −1 0 , then
0 0 8
𝐂 = 2 −1 8 = −𝟏𝟔

Special Matrices | 26
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Determinant of a Triangular Matrix
Theorem 4.2.5: If a matrix 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 is upper (or lower) triangular, then
𝑛

𝐀 = ෑ 𝑎𝑖𝑖 = 𝑎11 𝑎22 … 𝑎𝑛𝑛 .

𝑖=1
that is, the determinant of a triangular matrix is also the product of the
elements on the main diagonal. This method used to compute the
determinant is called computation via reduction to triangular form.

• This is useful for computation of matrices, especially if the square matrix has
an order more than 3.

Special Matrices | 27
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Computation of Determinant via Reduction to Triangular Form
i. Transform/reduce the given square matrix into a triangular matrix by
applying elementary row (column) operations.
ii. Take note of the effects in the determinant of the different elementary
row (column) operations used. Compensate all these effects in the
determinant so that it will not alter or change the value of the
discriminant.

Special Matrices | 28
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
3 12
Illustration 15: Evaluate the determinant of 𝐂 = .
2 9
By Definition 4.1.2, 𝐂 = 3 9 − 12 2 = 27 − 24 = 3. For the purpose of illustrating
Theorem 4.2.5, let us apply elementary operations to reduce 𝐂 into triangular form.

One Possible Solution:

3 12 2 3 12 (No effect on the determinant;

𝐂 = − 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 → 𝑅2 = Theorem 4.2.2c)
2 9 3 0 1
= 3 1
=𝟑

Special Matrices | 29
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
3 12
Illustration 15: Evaluate the determinant of 𝐂 = .
2 9
By Definition 4.1.2, 𝐂 = 3 9 − 12 2 = 27 − 24 = 3. For the purpose of illustrating
Theorem 4.2.5, let us apply elementary operations to reduce 𝐂 into triangular form.

Another Possible Solution:

(From Thm 4.2.2a, the determinant will be
3 12 1 1 4 1
multiplied also by 3. To compensate it multiply it
𝐂 = 𝑅1 → 𝑅1 = 3
2 9 3 2 9 by the reciprocal which is 3)

1 4
−2𝑅1 + 𝑅2 → 𝑅2 = 3 =3 1 1 =𝟑
0 1
Hence, there are many possible solution which you will use different series of elementary
row (column) operations. Just make sure that the effect of these operations must be
compensated so that it will not change the value of the original determinant.
Special Matrices | 30
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Illustration 16: Evaluate the determinant of the following matrices via
reduction to triangular form
1 2 3
a. 𝐆 = −2 1 4
3 −1 2

4 2 3 −4
b. 𝐇 = 3 −2 1 5
−2 0 1 −3
8 −2 6 4

Special Matrices | 31
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Possible Solution:

1 2 3 1 2 3
a. 𝐆 = −2 2𝑅1 + 𝑅2 → 𝑅2 = 0 (No effect on the determinant;
1 4 5 10
Theorem 4.2.2c)
3 −1 2 −3𝑅1 + 𝑅3 → 𝑅3 0 −7 −7

1 2 3
(No effect on the determinant;
= 0 5 10 Theorem 4.2.2c)
7
𝑅 + 𝑅3 → 𝑅3 0 0 7
5 2

= 1 5 7
𝐆 = 𝟑𝟓

Special Matrices | 32
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Possible Solution:
4 2 3 −4 3
4 2 3 −4
− 𝑅 + 𝑅2 → 𝑅2 0 − 7Τ2 − 5Τ4 8
b. 𝐇 = 3 −2 1 5 4 1
=
−2 0 1 −3 1 𝑅1 + 𝑅3 → 𝑅3 0 1 5Τ
2 −5
2
8 −2 6 4 −2𝑅1 + 𝑅4 → 𝑅4 0 −6 0 12
4 2 3 −4
(From Thm 4.2.2b, the determinant will 5Τ
0 1 2 −5
change sign. To compensate it multiply 𝑅2 𝑅3 = −
take its negative) 0 − 7Τ2 − 5Τ4 8
0 −6 0 12
4 2 3 −4
5Τ −5
0 1 2
7
𝑅 + 𝑅3 → 𝑅3
= −
2 2 0 0 15Τ2 − 19Τ2
6𝑅2 + 𝑅4 → 𝑅4 0 0 15 −18

Special Matrices | 33
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.2 Properties of Determinants
Possible Solution:
4 2 3 −4
5Τ −5
0 1 2
=− 15Τ 19
0 0 2 − Τ2
−2𝑅3 + 𝑅4 → 𝑅4 0 0 0 1
15
=− 4 1 1
2

𝐇 = −𝟑𝟎

Special Matrices | 34
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
For large square matrices such as 𝑛 ≥ 4, evaluating the determinants
using the permutation formula could be very tedious. We see from preceding
section that transforming a matrix into a triangular matrix could make the
computation easier. Another method that also efficient in the computation of
determinants of large matrices is by means of cofactor expansion.

This subtopic will introduce you the concepts of minors, cofactors, and
adjoint matrix as an aid of solving the determinant of a matrix.

Special Matrices | 35
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Definition 4.3.1: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix. Let 𝐌𝑖𝑗 be the 𝑛 − 1 × 𝑛 − 1
submatrix of 𝐀 obtained by deleting the 𝑖 th row and 𝑗 th column of 𝐀. The
determinant 𝐌𝑖𝑗 is called the minor of 𝑎𝑖𝑗 .
5 3 7
Illustration 17: Let 𝐀 = −1 4 2 . If we delete the 1st row and 2nd column of 𝐀 we will
6 2 1
obtain the 2 × 2 submatrix 𝐌12 .
5 3 7
−1 2
−1 4 2
6 1
6 2 1
The determinant of 𝐌12 is the minor of 𝑎12 = 3. Thus,
−1 2
𝐌12 = = −1 1 − 2 6 = −1 − 12 = −𝟏𝟑
6 1 minor of 𝑎12 = 3

Special Matrices | 36
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Definition 4.3.2: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix. The cofactor 𝐀𝒊𝒋 of 𝑎𝑖𝑗 is
defined as
𝐀𝒊𝒋 = −1 𝑖+𝑗 𝐌𝑖𝑗 .
The cofactor is the product of the minor and +1 or −1, hence it is also
referred as the signed minor, depending on the location of 𝑎𝑖𝑗 . If the sum 𝑖 + 𝑗
is even, the multiplier is +1. If 𝑖 + 𝑗 is odd, the multiplier is −1.
5 3 7
Illustration 18: Let 𝐀 = −1 4 2 . From Illustration 17, the minor of 𝑎12 = 3 is
6 2 1
𝐌12 = −13, then the cofactor of 𝑎12 = 3 is
𝐀12 = −1 1+2 𝐌𝟏𝟐 = (−1)(−13) = 𝟏𝟑
cofactor of 𝑎12 = 3
Special Matrices | 37
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Theorem 4.3.1: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix. Then for each 1 ≤ 𝑖 ≤ 𝑛,

𝐀 = 𝒂𝒊𝟏 𝐀𝒊𝟏 + 𝒂𝒊𝟐 𝐀𝒊𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝐀𝒊𝒏 (expansion of 𝐀 about the 𝑖 th row)

and for each 1 ≤ 𝑗 ≤ 𝑛,

𝐀 = 𝒂𝟏𝒋 𝐀𝟏𝒋 + 𝒂𝟐𝒋 𝐀𝟐𝒋 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒏𝒋 𝐀𝒏𝒋 . (expansion of 𝐀 about the 𝑗 th column)

This method of getting the determinant is by cofactor expansion.

Special Matrices | 38
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Formulas in Theorem 4.3.1 can also be stated as:

Expansion of 𝐀 about the 𝑖 th row

𝐀 = 𝒂𝒊𝟏 𝐀𝒊𝟏 + 𝒂𝒊𝟐 𝐀𝒊𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝐀𝒊𝒏

𝒊+𝟏 𝒊+𝟐 𝒊+𝒏
𝐀 = 𝒂𝒊𝟏 −𝟏 𝐌𝒊𝟏 + 𝒂𝒊𝟐 −𝟏 𝐌𝒊𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒊𝒏 −𝟏 𝐌𝒊𝒏

Expansion of 𝐀 about the 𝑗 th column

𝐀 = 𝒂𝟏𝒋 𝐀𝟏𝒋 + 𝒂𝟐𝒋 𝐀𝟐𝒋 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒏𝒋 𝐀𝒏𝒋

𝐀 = 𝒂𝟏𝒋 −𝟏 𝟏+𝒋 𝐌𝟏𝒋 + 𝒂𝟐𝒋 −𝟏 𝟐+𝒋 𝐌𝟐𝒋 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒏𝒋 −𝟏 𝒏+𝒋

𝐌𝒏𝒋

Special Matrices | 39
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Computation of Determinant via Cofactor Expansion
i. Decide which row (or column) you want to expand. You can expand about
any row or column of your choice.
ii. Compute for the cofactors of all the elements in your chosen row (or
column).
iii. Multiply the element of the row (or column) by its corresponding cofactor.
Do it for all elements in that row (or column).
iv. Lastly, add all the products in the previous steps.

Remark: Steps ii-iv, can be done simultaneously.

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 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Example 19: Evaluate the determinant of the following matrices by cofactor
expansion.
5 3 7
a. 𝐀 = −1 4 2
6 2 1

2 0 3 2
b. 𝐁 = 2 1 −1 3
−3 2 4 0
1 −1 1 0

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 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Possible Solution for 𝐀 : 5 3 7
𝐀 = −1 4 2
Let’s expand 𝐀 about the first row. 6 2 1
𝐀 = 𝑎11 𝐀11 + 𝑎12 𝐀12 + 𝑎13 𝐀13
1+1 4 2 1+2 −1 2 1+3 −1 4
= 5 −1 + 3 −1 + 7 −1
2 1 6 1 6 2
2 3 4
= 5 −1 4 − 4 + 3 −1 −1 − 12 + 7 −1 −2 − 24
= 5 1 0 + 3 −1 −13 + 7 1 −26
= 0 + 39 − 182
𝐀 = −𝟏𝟒𝟑
Try solving by expanding about other rows or columns
Special Matrices | 42
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Definition 4.3.3: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix. The matrix formed by
replacing all the elements 𝑎𝑖𝑗 by its corresponding 𝐀𝒊𝒋 is called the cofactor
matrix of 𝐀.

𝑎11 𝑎12 𝑎13

Illustration 20: Given 𝐀 = 𝑎21 𝑎22 𝑎23
𝑎31 𝑎32 𝑎33

𝐀11 𝐀12 𝐀13

The cofactor matrix of 𝐀 is 𝐀 21 𝐀 22 𝐀 23
𝐀 31 𝐀 32 𝐀 33

Special Matrices | 43
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
1 2 3
Example 21: Find the cofactor matrix of 𝐆 = −2 1 4
3 −1 2
1 4 3+1 2 3 = 1 5 = 5
𝐆11 = −1 1+1 = 1 6 =6 𝐆 31 = −1
−1 2 1 4
−2 4
𝐆12 = −1 1+2 = −1 −16 = 16 𝐆32 = −1 3+2 1 3 = −1 10 = −10
3 2 −2 4
−2 1
𝐆13 = −1 1+3 = 1 −1 = −1 𝐆33 = −1 3+3 1 2 = 1 5 = 5
3 −1 −2 1
2 3
𝐆21 = −1 2+1 = −1 7 = −7 Hence, the cofactor matrix of 𝐆 is
−1 2
𝟔 𝟏𝟔 −𝟏
2+2 1 3
𝐆22 = −1 = 1 −7 = −7 −𝟕 −𝟕 𝟕
3 2
𝟓 −𝟏𝟎 𝟓
1 2
𝐆23 = −1 2+3 = −1 −7 = 7
3 −1
Special Matrices | 44
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Definition 4.3.4: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix, the adjoint of 𝐀, denoted
by 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝐀, is the transpose of the cofactor matrix. It is also called the adjugate
matrix.

1 2 3
Example 22: Given 𝐆 = −2 1 4 . From Example 21, we constructed the cofactor
3 −1 2
6 16 −1
matrix of 𝐆 as −7 −7 7 . Hence,
5 −10 5
𝟔 −𝟕 𝟓
𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐆 = 𝟏𝟔 −𝟕 −𝟏𝟎
−𝟏 𝟕 𝟓
Special Matrices | 45
 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
Theorem 4.3.2: Let 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑖𝑗 be an 𝑛 × 𝑛 matrix, then

𝐀 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐀 = 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐀 𝐀 = 𝐀 𝐈𝒏 .

It means that the product of the matrix and its adjoint will result into a scalar
matrix, and the value of the scalar is the determinant.

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 DEPARTMENT of
STATISTICS 4.3 Minors, Cofactor, and Adjoint Matrix
1 2 3
Example 23: Given 𝐆 = −2 1 4.
3 −1 2
6 −7 5
From Example 22, we constructed 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐆 = 16 −7 −10 .
−1 7 5
Then,
1 2 3 6 −7 5 35 0 0 1 0 0
𝐆 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐆 = −2 1 4 16 −7 −10 = 0 35 0 = 35 0 1 0
3 −1 2 −1 7 5 0 0 35 0 0 1
Thus, 𝐆 = 𝟑𝟓.

Special Matrices | 47