KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mathematics

3 × 3 Matrix Determinant, Adjoint and Inverse

What are the determinant and inverse of this 3 × 3 matrix?

Determinant, adjoint (adjugate) and inverse of a 3 × 3 matrix by cofactors, as set out in the handbook’s matrix operations, with a check that the matrix times its inverse returns the identity.

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How this tool works

Inputs, units and where to find them

InputUnitTypical source
a₁₁Row 1, column 1.
a₁₂Row 1, column 2.
a₁₃Row 1, column 3.
a₂₁Row 2, column 1.
a₂₂Row 2, column 2.
a₂₃Row 2, column 3.
a₃₁Row 3, column 1.
a₃₂Row 3, column 2.
a₃₃Row 3, column 3.

Method and formulas

  1. Determinant by expansion along the first row.
  2. Adjoint = transpose of the matrix of cofactors.
  3. Inverse = adjoint ÷ determinant (exists only when the determinant is not zero).
  4. Example: the default matrix has a determinant of 1.

Limitations

  • A determinant near zero relative to the entries means an ill-conditioned matrix; small input errors give large changes in the inverse.
  • Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.

Typical uses

  • Invert a transformation or stiffness matrix
  • Check whether a set of equations has a unique solution
  • Teach or verify hand matrix work

Who it is for

  • Engineers
  • Technicians
  • Engineering students

What you get

  • Determinant
  • Adjoint
  • Inverse

Interpreting the result

  • Multiply the inverse by the right-hand side vector to solve the three equations.

References

  • Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 122–125. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.

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