I keep getting “Determinant and singularity” questions wrong in Matrices & Determinants. What's the trap?
assuming every square matrix has an inverse.
The usual trap: assuming every square matrix has an inverse. How to avoid it: det = 0 → no inverse → no unique solution. Go back to the definition — the determinant is a single number from a square matrix; if it's zero the matrix is singular and has no inverse.
Key point
Determinant and singularity
Common mistake
assuming every square matrix has an inverse.
Memory tip
det = 0 → no inverse → no unique solution.
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