The determinant of an n×n matrix is a sum of n! signed products — one entry from each row and column — derived purely from the three defining properties.
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Derivation from , exchange, and row linearity
Write the three properties, then split the matrix by linearity in each row into four determinants, drop the two with a zero column, and reach .
The -term formula
State the sum over all permutations of the column indices, one entry from each row and column with a sign set by parity, and list the six terms.
Counter-diagonal signs and the identity check
Record that the anti-diagonal terms carry minus signs while the counter-diagonal matrix of ones gives , and check the formula on .
A sparse example of zeros and ones
Trace the paths through the matrix that avoid zeros, keep the two surviving terms and , conclude , and exhibit the row combination that vanishes.