Matrix Inverse Calculator

Calculate matrix inverse step by step

The calculator will find the inverse (if it exists) of the square matrix using the Gaussian elimination method or the adjoint method, with steps shown.

Related calculators: Gauss-Jordan Elimination Calculator, Pseudoinverse Calculator

If the calculator did not compute something or you have identified an error, or you have a suggestion/feedback, please write it in the comments below.

Explore the capabilities of our online Inverse Matrix Calculator, created to determine the inverse of a provided matrix proficiently. Finding a matrix's inverse is more complex than simple arithmetic; it demands adherence to particular rules and formulas. Yet, with our Matrix Inverse Calculator, this complex operation becomes easy. The calculator delivers precise results quickly and easily.

How to Use the Matrix Inverse Calculator?

  • Input

    Begin by entering the elements of your matrix into the specified fields in the calculator. Ensure that your input is a square matrix, as only square matrices can have inverses. A square matrix has an equal number of rows and columns.

  • Calculation

    Once your matrix is correctly entered, click the "Calculate" button. The calculator will compute and display the inverse.

  • Result

    The calculator will display the inverse of the entered matrix and a detailed step-by-step solution, helping you understand how the inverse was computed.

What is the Inverse of a Matrix?

In linear algebra, the inverse of a matrix holds a special place. It is a unique matrix that results in the identity matrix when multiplied by the original matrix. The identity matrix is a square matrix with ones on the main diagonal and zeros everywhere else.

However, not every matrix has an inverse. For a matrix to possess an inverse, it must be a square matrix, meaning the number of rows equals the number of columns. Additionally, its determinant must not be zero. Such matrices are classified as invertible or non-singular.

The process of finding the inverse of a matrix, say $$$A$$$, involves a specific formula:

$$A^{-1} = \frac{1}{\operatorname{det}(A)}\operatorname{adj}(A)$$

Here, $$$\operatorname{det}(A)$$$ represents the determinant of the matrix $$$A$$$, and $$$\operatorname{adj}(A)$$$ is the adjugate of $$$A$$$.

Consider an example of a 2x2 matrix $$$A$$$:

$$A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}a&b\\c&d\end{array}\right]$$

The inverse of the matrix $$$A$$$ can be calculated by swapping the elements on the main diagonal, changing the signs of the elements off the main diagonal, and dividing each term by the determinant of $$$A$$$, namely, $$$ad-bc$$$. Therefore,

$$A^{-1}=\frac{1}{ad-bc}\left[\begin{array}{cc}d&-b\\-c&a\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{cc}\frac{d}{ad-bc}&-\frac{b}{ad-bc}\\-\frac{c}{ad-bc}&\frac{a}{ad-bc}\end{array}\right]$$

Our Inverse Matrix Calculator automates these calculations, providing accurate results and detailed step-by-step solutions. It is an invaluable tool to simplify your calculations and enhance your grasp of this sophisticated concept.

What is the left and right inverses of a matrix?

In linear algebra, the concepts of left and right inverses of a matrix often come into play. They are essential in the case of non-square matrices, which cannot have a regular (two-sided) inverse.

Left Inverse

A matrix $$$A$$$ has a left inverse if another matrix exists, say $$$B$$$, such that when $$$B$$$ is multiplied by $$$A$$$ from the left, i.e. $$$BA$$$), the result is the identity matrix. Mathematically, it can be written as $$$BA=I$$$, where $$$I$$$ is the identity matrix. A left inverse is not guaranteed to be a right inverse, which means $$$AB$$$ might not be the identity matrix.

Right Inverse

A matrix $$$A$$$ has a right inverse if another matrix exists, say $$$C$$$, such that the result is the identity matrix when $$$C$$$ is multiplied by $$$A$$$ from the right, i.e. $$$AC$$$. It can be written as $$$AC=I$$$. Similarly, a right inverse is not always a left inverse, implying $$$CA$$$ might not equal the identity matrix.

For square matrices, if a matrix $$$A$$$ has either a right or left inverse, the inverses are equal and referred to as the inverse of $$$A$$$. But the left and right inverses (when they exist) are generally different for non-square matrices. It's important to note that not all matrices have left or right inverses. For instance, matrices with zero singular values do not have a left or right inverse.

Why Choose Our Matrix Inverse Calculator?

  • Efficiency

    This calculator swiftly computes the inverse of any square matrix, eliminating the tediousness and complexity of manual calculations.

  • Precision

    Accuracy is paramount when dealing with matrix operations. Our calculator is carefully designed to provide precise results, significantly reducing the risk of error.

  • Detailed Solutions

    Understanding the process is as crucial as getting the correct answer. Our calculator doesn't just provide the inverse; it also offers step-by-step solutions, helping you grasp the underlying process and confirm your manual calculations.

  • Accessibility

    Being an online tool, our calculator is available 24/7, offering you the flexibility to calculate the inverse of a matrix anytime, anywhere, right from your device.

FAQ

Can non-square matrices have inverses?

Non-square matrices do not have a regular (two-sided) inverse like square matrices. However, depending on specific conditions, they may have a one-sided inverse, known as the left or right inverse.

What is the inverse of a matrix?

The inverse of a matrix is a special matrix that, when multiplied by the original matrix, yields the identity matrix. However, not all matrices have an inverse. Only square matrices (where the number of rows equals the number of columns and the determinant is not zero) are non-singular and have an inverse.

How do I use the Inverse Matrix Calculator?

To use the calculator, enter the elements of your square matrix into the provided fields, then click on the "Calculate" button. The calculator will compute and display the inverse of your matrix, provided it is invertible.

What is the identity matrix?

The identity matrix, often denoted by $$$I$$$, is a special square matrix with ones on its main diagonal and zeros everywhere else. When a matrix is multiplied by its inverse, the result is the identity matrix.