Math Formulas > Linear Algebra > Definition of the Determinant
Definition of the Determinant
The determinant of a matrix A is given by the sum of the entries in the first row of A multiplied by their cofactors.
Where the cofactors Cij is given by: Cij = (-1)i+jMij and M is the minor of A.
Note that A must be a square matrix of order 2 or greater.
The determinant of a 2x2 matrix A where, 
is given by: det(A) = |A| = ad - bc
