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Expansion by Cofactors

Expansion by Cofactors

A method for evaluating determinants. Expansion by cofactors involves following any row or column of a determinant and multiplying each element of the row or column by its cofactor. The sum of these products equals the value of the determinant.

 

3x3 determinant expanded along column 3: 3|4,5;7,8| -6|1,2;7,8| +9|1,2;4,5| = 3(-3)-6(-6)+9(-3) = 0