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How to Find the Inverse of a 3x3 Matrix
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Inverse operations are commonly used in algebra to simply what otherwise might be dificult. For example, if a problem
requites you to divide by a fraction, you can more easily multiply by ts reciprocal. This is an inverse operation. Similarly, since
there is no division operator for matrices, you need to multiply by the inverse matrix. Calculating the inverse of a 3x3 matrix by
hand is a tedious job, but worth reviewing. You can also find the inverse using an advanced graphing calculator.
“t"'| Creating the Adjugate Matrix to Find the Inverse Matrix
4 check the determinant ofthe matrix Yu need to calculate the determinant ofthe matrix as an inital
step. Ifthe determinant is 0, then your work is finished, because the matrix has no inverse. The
doterminant of matrix M can be represented symbolically as det(M) |")
+ For a 3x3 matrix, find the determinant by frst
+ To review finding the determinant of a matrix, see Find the Determinant of a 3X3 Matrix.
2 Transpose the original matrix. Transposing means reflecting the matix about the main diagonal. or
equivalently, swapping the (ith element and the (jh. When you transpose the terms of the matrix, you
should see that the main diagonal (from upper eft to lower right) is unchanged.(2)
+ Another way to think of transposing is that you rewrite the first row as the first column, the middle row
becomes the middle column, and the third row becomes the third column. Notice the colored elements in
the diagram above and see where the numbers have changed position
3 Find the dotorminant ofeach of the 22 minor matics. Every tem othe newly wansposed 3x3 mati
[s associated with a corresponding 2x2 “minor” matrix, To find the right minor matrix for each term, first
highlight the row and column ofthe term you begin with. This should include five terms of the matrix. The
remaining four terms make up the minor matrix.)
+ Inthe example shown above, if you want the minor matrix ofthe term in the second row, first column,
Yyou highlight the five terms thal are in the second row and the first column. The remaining four terms are
the corresponding minor matrix.
+ Find the determinant of each minor matrix by eross-multiplying the diagonals and subtracting, as shown.
+ For more on minor matrices and their uses, See Understand the Basics of Matrices,
Greate the matrix of cofactors. Place the results of ho provous step into a new matrix of cofaciors by
aligning each minor matrix determinant with the corresponding postion in the original matrix. Thus, the
determinant that you calculated from item (1,1) ofthe original matrix goes in position (1,1). You must hen
reverse the sign of allernating terms of this new matrix, following the “checkerboard” pattern shown.)
+ When assigning signs, the frst element ofthe first row keeps its original sign. The second element is
reversed. The third element keeps its orginal sign. Continue on with the rest of the matrix in this
fashion. Note that the (+) or (-) signs in the checkerboard diagram do not suggest thatthe final term
should be positive or negative. They are indicators of keeping (+) or reversing (-) whatever sign the
‘number originally had.
+ For a review of cofactors, eee Understand the Basics of Matrices.
+The final result of this step is called the adjugate matrix ofthe original. Ths is sometimes referred to as
the adjoint matrix. The adjugate matrix is noted as Adj(M)
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Divide each term ofthe acjugato matrix by the determinant, Recall the determinant of M that you
calculated in the frst step (to check that the inverse was possible). You now divide every term of the matrix
by that value, Place the result of each calculation into the spot of the original term. The result is the inverse of
the original matrix $1
+ For the sample matrix shown in the diagram, the determinant is 1. Therefore, dividing every term of the
adjugate matrix results in the adjugate matrix tse, (You won't always be so lucky.)
+ Instead of dividing, some sources represent this step as multiplying each term af M by 1/det(M),
Mathematically, these are equivalent
‘3°*|_ Using Linear Row Reduction to Find the Inverse Matrix
4. Aeioin the identity matric to the original matrix Wee out he ain malik M, draw verte ine to
the right off, and then write the identity matrix to the right of that. You should now have what appears to
be a matrix with three rows of six columns each.)
+ Recall that the identity matrix is @ special matrix with 1s in each position ofthe main diagonal from upper
left to lower right, and Os in all other positions. For a review ofthe identity matrix and its properties, see
Understand the Basics of Matrices.
Perform linear row reduction operations. Your objective is to create the identity matrix onthe let side of
this newly augmented matrix, As you perform row reduction steps on the eft, you must consistently
perform the same operations on the right, which began as your identity matrix
+ Remember that row reductions are performed as a combination of scalar multiplication and row addition
fr subtraction, n order to isolate individual terms of the matrix. For a more complete review, see Row-
Reduce Matrices.
Continue uni you form the identity matix. Keep repeating linear row reduction operations ntl the of
side of your augmented matrix displays the identity matrix (diagonal of ts, with other terms 0). When you
hhave reached this point, the right side of your vertical divider will be the inverse of your original matrix!
Write out the inverse matrix. Copy the elements naw appearing on the right side of the vertical divider as
the inverse matrix.
3""| Using a Calculator to Find the Inverse Matrix
Selecta calculator with matrix capabilites. Simple 4-funton calculators wil not be able to help you
directly find the inverse. However, due to the repetitive nature of the calculations, an advanced graphing
caloulator, such as the Texas Instruments TI-83 of T-86, can greatly reduce the work.)
2 Entor your matrxinto the calculator, First, enter your caleulator’s Matix function by pressing the Matix
key, if you have one. On the Texas Instruments calculators, you may need to press 29 Matrix.
Select the Edit submenu. To reach he submenu, you may ned to use the arrow butions or choose the
‘appropriate function key atthe top of your calculalor's keypad, depending on the layout of your calculator.
on
A Sslect a name for your mara. Most calculators are equipped to work wth anywhere fom 3010
‘matrices, labeled with letters A through J. Typically, just choose [A] to work with. Hit the Enter koy aftor
making your selection 12)
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Enter the dimensions of your matrix, This aisles focusing on 33 mates, However the caleultor
can handle larger sizes. Enter the number of rows, then press Enter, and then the number of columns, and
Enter(3)
G Enter each element ofthe matix. The calculator sereen wil show a mat. you previously were
Working with the matt funetion, the prior matrix will appear on the screen. The cursor will highlight t
‘element of the matrix. Type in the value of the matrix you wish to solve, and then Enter. The cursor will move
1 fst
automatically to the next element ofthe matrix, overwriting any previous numiers."4]
+ Ifyou wish to enter a negative number, use your calculator's negative button (-) and not the minus key
‘The matrix function will nat read the number properly.
+ If necessary, you can use your calculators arrow keys to jump around the matrix,
7 Quit the Matric function, Aftar you have entered all values ofthe matix, prs the Quit key (or 24 Quit i
necessary), This will ext you from the Matrix function and return you to the main display scroen of your
ccaleulator!"5)
Q Usethe inverse key to find the inverse matrix. Fis reopen the Marx function and use the Nemes
button to select the matrix label that you used to define your matrix (probably (Al). Then, press your
calculator's inverse key, . This may require using the 2" button, depending on your calculator. Your screan
display should show Press Enter, and the inverse matrix should appear on your sereen.|"8]
+ Do not use the * button on your calculator to try entering AM1 as separate keystrokes, The calculator
will not understand this operation.
+ Ifyou receive an error message when you enter the inverse key, chances are that your original matrix
does not have an inverse. You may want to go back and calculate the determinant to find out.
Q) convert your inverse matrix to exact answers. Theft calculation thatthe calculator wil give you sn
decimal form. This fs not considered “exact” for most purposes. You should convert the decimal answers to
fractional form, as necessary. If you are very lucky, all your results willbe integers, but this is rare,"7)
+ Your calculator probably has a function that will automatically convert the decimals to fractions, For
‘example, using the TI-86, enter the Math function, then select Misc, and then Frac, and Enter. The
decimals will automatically appear as fractions.
1.Q) Mest orphing calculators also have square bracket keys (on TH84 i's 2nd + x and 2nd + )
which can be used to type in a matrix without using the matrix function. Note: The calculator will
‘not format the matrix untl after the enterfequals key has been used (Le. everything will be one line and not
pretty)
Community Q&A New! Make a strangers day. Answer a question.
How do levaluate the inverse of the matrix {1 2 -4}{0 -2 35.0.4}
Find the determinant, then determine the co-factor matrix. Find the ad] of the co-factor matrix, then divide through
each term by the determinant.
How can I croato a 3x3 matrix without any fractions in its original form and inverse form?
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