# Math Help - For what values is the matrix invertible?

1. ## For what values is the matrix invertible?

| 0 1 b|
|-1 0 c|
|-b -c 0|

I've found matrix inverses before, but I am unsure of how to solve for these values. I would think that making the variables pivots would be the only way to find a solution, but I don't want to be taking shots in the dark. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

2. Originally Posted by Solitary Nut
| 0 1 b|
|-1 0 c|
|-b -c 0|

I've found matrix inverses before, but I am unsure of how to solve for these values. I would think that making the variables pivots would be the only way to find a solution, but I don't want to be taking shots in the dark. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
You can determine if the matrix is nonsingular by find values such that the $\det A\neq 0$. Do you you how do find the determinant?

3. Nonsingular? I'm not sure what you mean by that. As for the determinant, I'm kind of vague. CD-BA is it? Then you'd need to make some sort of partition, wouldn't you?

I'm sorry, I find my math teacher very hard to follow. It's very hard for me to pick this stuff up.

4. Originally Posted by Solitary Nut
Nonsingular? I'm not sure what you mean by that. As for the determinant, I'm kind of vague. CD-BA is it? Then you'd need to make some sort of partition, wouldn't you?

I'm sorry, I find my math teacher very hard to follow. It's very hard for me to pick this stuff up.
Non-singular means has an inverse. Singular means does not have an inverse.

Read this: 6.4 - The Determinant of a Square Matrix