Topic explanation

Standard explanation

A square matrix is singular when its determinant is zero and therefore has no inverse.

Key points

• singular and non-singular matrices
• understand the idea
• apply it carefully
• keep the ideas separate
• Singular And Non-Singular Matrices: A square matrix is singular when its determinant is zero and therefore has no inverse.
• WHAT — SINGULAR AND NON-SINGULAR MATRICES: A square matrix is singular when its determinant is zero and therefore has no inverse.
• HOW — Use the idea: Identify what is given, select this topic's rule or evidence, apply it one step at a time, and check
• CORE UNDERSTANDING: A square matrix is singular when its determinant is zero and therefore has no inverse.

Labelled diagram