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Matrices, graphs and adjoints

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2016

E. Keith Lloyd*
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, The University, Southampton SO9 5NH

Extract

Several writers have drawn attention to the fact that there is a connection between determinants and sets of loops in directed graphs. This fact is sometimes useful in evaluating the determinant of a matrix M, as was explained by Greenman in his recent article [1]. Towards the end of his article he introduces Δij-subgraphs and relates them to the cofactors Cij of the matrix M. Now if M is invertible, then M−1 = adj M/det M, where the (j, i)-entry of the adjoint is just the cofactor Cij. Hence one would expect to be able to give a graphical explanation for the fact that M(adj M/det M) = I, and this will be done in the present article.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1977

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References

1. Greenman, J. V., Graphs and determinants, Mathl Gaz. 60, 241246 (No. 414, December 1976).CrossRefGoogle Scholar