MATH 220 Week 3 Discussion

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Forums / Week 3 Forum: Determinants / Determinants in Real Life

Determinants in Real Life

Determinants are one of the most widely used applications of linear algebra. Not only are determinants one of the building blocks of more advanced mathematical formulations, but because determinants can be used to represent the coefficients of a linear system of equations, they are an important tool for solving such systems. Determinants can also be used to determine if a system of equations is linearly independent, to calculate geometric areas, and in cryptography to create secure codes for passing data back and forth.

This week, let’s talk about determinants and how they are used in business, science and/or the military. What are some typical real world situations where you find determinants being used? Pick one such situation and describe it in some detail. What was the most interesting thing you learned about how determinants are being used?

Be sure to pick a situation to discuss that nobody else has explored in depth yet. Put the application you chose to explore in the subject line heading of your initial post (for example, “Determinants used for military encryption”).

Sometimes students will create an original math homework-type example as it applies to a particular situation, and even work out the numbers, but not do any internet research. Note, however, that the intent of this forum is to do outside research each week and find an application online that you were unfamiliar with, then describe that application in your post. So you will always have outside sources to cite.

Our textbook this chapter does not have any separate section devoted to real world applications (as it does in some other chapters), but you can peruse the chapter – and especially the problems – for ideas of how determinants are utilized. Another excellent source of information is the internet. When you search online, some good websites to try are (but don’t limit yourself to these, there are many other websites you can use):

http://people.richland.edu/james/lecture/m116/matrices/applications.html

http://www.kkuniyuk.com/M1410805.pdf

https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~linear/linear.pdf

Be sure to include the source(s) you use in your post.

Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 250 words. In addition, please respond to at least 2 other students. Your responses should help develop discussion around the topic/feedback that your classmate presented. Responses to students should be a minimum of 100 words each.