Minor (linear Algebra) - Nomenclature

Nomenclature

The (i,j) minor (often denoted M_ij) of an n × n square matrix A is defined as the determinant of the (n − 1) × (n − 1) matrix formed by removing from A its ith row and jth column. An (i,j) minor is also referred to as (i,j)th minor, or simply i,j minor.

M_ij is also called the minor of the element a_ij of matrix A.

A minor that is formed by removing only one row and column from a square matrix A (such as M_ij) is called a first minor. When two rows and columns are removed, this is called a second minor.