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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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D
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Determinant
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1992-09-02
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In mathematics, an array of elements written
as a square, and denoted by two vertical
lines enclosing the array. For a 2 x 2
matrix, the determinant `DELTA' is given by
the difference between the products of the
diagonal terms. Determinants are used to
solve sets of simultaneous equations by
matrix methods. {v50} When applied to
transformational geometry, the determinant of
a 2 x 2 matrix signifies the ratio of the
area of the transformed shape to the original
and its sign (plus or minus) denotes whether
the image is direct (the same way round) or
indirect (a mirror image).