🔄 Inverse Matrix Calculator

Calculate the inverse matrix A⁻¹ such that A × A⁻¹ = I

How to Use This Calculator

1

Select Matrix Size

Choose 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 for your square matrix.

2

Enter Matrix Elements

Input all elements of your square matrix.

3

Calculate

Click to compute A⁻¹ using the adjoint method: A⁻¹ = adj(A) / det(A).

4

Verify

Check that A × A⁻¹ equals the identity matrix to confirm correctness.

Formula

A⁻¹ = adj(A) / det(A)

Where adj(A) is the adjoint (transpose of cofactor matrix)

For 2×2 Matrix:

If A = [a b; c d], then:

A⁻¹ = (1/(ad - bc)) × [d -b; -c a]

Note: det(A) = ad - bc must be non-zero

Properties:

  • A × A⁻¹ = A⁻¹ × A = I (identity matrix)
  • (AB)⁻¹ = B⁻¹A⁻¹
  • (A⁻¹)⁻¹ = A
  • (Aᵀ)⁻¹ = (A⁻¹)ᵀ
  • det(A⁻¹) = 1 / det(A)

Requirements:

Matrix must be square and non-singular (det(A) ≠ 0)

About Inverse Matrix Calculator

The Inverse Matrix Calculator finds the inverse A⁻¹ of a square matrix A such that A × A⁻¹ = I, where I is the identity matrix. The inverse exists only if the matrix is non-singular (determinant ≠ 0). This calculator uses the adjoint method, computing the inverse via A⁻¹ = adj(A) / det(A).

When to Use This Calculator

  • Solving Systems: Solve Ax = b using x = A⁻¹b
  • Matrix Operations: Compute matrix division
  • Linear Algebra: Find inverse for matrix equations
  • Transformations: Reverse linear transformations
  • Cryptography: Matrix-based encryption/decryption

Why Use Our Calculator?

  • Complete Solution: Shows inverse, determinant, and verification
  • Verification: Confirms A × A⁻¹ = I
  • Error Detection: Identifies singular matrices
  • Educational: Helps understand inverse calculation
  • Accurate: Precise calculations
  • Free: No registration required

Key Concepts

  • Inverse: Matrix A⁻¹ such that AA⁻¹ = A⁻¹A = I
  • Non-singular: det(A) ≠ 0 (inverse exists)
  • Singular: det(A) = 0 (no inverse)
  • Adjoint Method: A⁻¹ = adj(A) / det(A)
  • Unique: If inverse exists, it's unique

Applications

Solving Linear Systems: For Ax = b, if A is invertible, then x = A⁻¹b.

Matrix Division: B/A = BA⁻¹ (not commutative).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an inverse matrix?

The inverse A⁻¹ of matrix A satisfies A × A⁻¹ = A⁻¹ × A = I (identity matrix). It "undoes" the transformation represented by A.

Why does my matrix have no inverse?

If det(A) = 0, the matrix is singular and has no inverse. This means the matrix has linearly dependent rows/columns or reduces to a matrix with a zero row.

How is inverse calculated?

This calculator uses the adjoint method: A⁻¹ = adj(A) / det(A). Other methods include Gauss-Jordan elimination (augmenting [A | I] to get [I | A⁻¹]) and LU decomposition.

Is the inverse unique?

Yes! If an inverse exists, it's unique. There cannot be two different matrices that both satisfy AA⁻¹ = I.

Can I invert a non-square matrix?

No, only square matrices can have inverses. However, non-square matrices can have left or right inverses under certain conditions.