What Is the Determinant Function for a Matrix?

Learn how to calculate determinants for 2x2 and 3x3 matrices in this 27-minute video lecture by University of Oxford mathematician Dr Tom Crawford. Explore the origins of the determinant function, understand its key properties, and discover why it's unique for matrices. Follow along with a step-by-step explanation of the general formulas for both 2x2 and 3x3 determinants, including a fully worked example demonstrating different expansion methods. Enhance your understanding with provided practice exercises and access additional resources for further study in linear algebra.