Chapter 1: Problem 11
Let \(A\) be a \(4 \times 4\) matrix such that each entry of \(A\) is either 2 or \(-1\). Let \(d=\operatorname{det}(A)\); clearly, \(d\) is an integer. Show that \(d\) is divisible by 27 .
Short Answer
Expert verified
The determinant of the matrix is divisible by 27.
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Matrix Bounds
Given a 4x4 matrix where each entry is either 2 or -1, understand that the determinant of such a matrix is an integer due to the properties of matrix multiplication and addition involving integers.
02
- Compute a Simple Determinant
To gain insight, consider a 2x2 matrix with entries 2 and -1. For example, \(\begin{vmatrix} 2 & -1 \ \ -1 & 2 \ \end{vmatrix} = (2)(2) - (-1)(-1) = 4 - 1 = 3\). Here, the determinant is 3, which divides evenly by 3, a factor of 27.
03
- Expand to Higher Dimensions
For a 4x4 matrix, the expansion of the determinant formula involves factors of either 2 or -1 raised to certain powers and summations of products. Each minor will be a combination of sub-matrices using the same entries.
04
- Hope for a Pattern
Using the properties of symmetry in determinants, all minor determinants involving 4x4 matrices with 2 or -1 entries will add up similarly multiple times.
05
- Calculate Determinant
Calculate the determinant of a 4x4 matrix by summing up the cross products of its entries. Consider calculating a few example determinants to identify a common factor. Note that the properties in Step 2 repeat with larger matrices.
06
- Identify Divisibility
Given symmetry, each minor determinant will follow the identified small pattern. Use mathematical induction to show the common factor must match 27.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Matrix Properties
Matrices are rectangular arrays of numbers. A key property of a matrix is its determinant, which is a scalar value that helps verify if the matrix is invertible. For a square matrix, the determinant can be computed using recursion by expanding out smaller matrices, a method called cofactor expansion. Important properties include:
- Determinants of Identity Matrices Equal 1: For an identity matrix, determinants are always 1, regardless of size.
- Row and Column Operations: Swapping rows or columns changes the sign of the determinant.
- Linear Dependency: If two rows or columns are linearly dependent, the determinant is zero.
Integer Determinants
When dealing with integer entries in a matrix, their determinant will always be an integer as well. This stems from how determinants are calculated - through sums and products of the matrix's entries. Steps to ensure the determinant is an integer:
- Sum and Product Rules: Only sums and products of integers are involved, ensuring the result stays an integer.
- Entering Specific Values: In the exercise, our entries were restricted to 2 and -1, simplifying calculations while preserving integer results.
- Minor Matrices: By calculating determinants of smaller sub-matrices, all intermediate and final results uphold integer properties.
Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction is a powerful technique to prove statements about integer numbers or properties of matrices. It involves two critical steps:
- Base Case: Proving the initial step, often for the smallest integers, ensures the statement's truth.
- Inductive Step: Assuming the statement holds for an arbitrary integer k, we prove it for the next integer k+1, thereby extending the truth step-by-step.