Mathematics Problem Of the Week

Spring 2004

POW 8

Ever

E x p a n d i n g

Matrices

Consider the following sequence of matrices:

.

Find a formula for the trace, (i.e. the sum of the diagonal entries), of the n-th matrix in this sequence.

Due Friday, March 26^th at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Dan Gagliardi’s mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to dgagliardi@stlawu.edu.

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/