"Shutting up like a telescope": Lewis Carroll's "Curious Condensation Method for Evaluating Determinants"

Authors: Rice, Adrian; Torrence, Eve

Source: The College Mathematics Journal, Volume 38, Number 2, March 2007 , pp. 85-95(11)

Publisher: Mathematical Association of America

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Abstract:

Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) discovered a "curious" method for computing determinants. It is an iterative process that uses determinants of 2 × 2 submatrices of a matrix to obtain a smaller matrix. When the process ends, the result is the determinant of the original matrix. This article discusses both the algorithm and what may have led Dodgson to it.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-03-01

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The College Mathematics Journal is designed to enhance classroom learning and stimulate thinking regarding undergraduate mathematics. CMJ publishes articles, short Classroom Capsules, problems, solutions, media reviews and other pieces. All are aimed at the college mathematics curriculum with emphasis on topics taught in the first two years.
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