determinant
1 of 2noun/dɪˈtɜrmɪnənt/
Forms:determinants
1
a determining or causal element or factor
2
a single number calculated from the elements of a square matrix that indicates important properties, like whether the matrix can be inverted
- If the determinant of a matrix is zero, the matrix is singular and does not have an inverse.
- The determinant of a triangular matrix is the product of its diagonal elements.
- Understanding determinants is essential for advanced studies in eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
- The determinant provides insights into the stability and behavior of dynamical systems described by the matrix.
- In linear algebra, the determinant is used to determine the volume scaling factor of the linear transformation described by the matrix.
3
the site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself
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