Problem: Given a square, m × m {\displaystyle m\times m} matrix M {\displaystyle M} whose diagonal elements are each equal to m {\displaystyle m} and whose non-diagonal elements are each equal to − 1 {\displaystyle -1} , calculate its determinant.
In symbols,
What is Δ {\displaystyle \Delta } as a function of m {\displaystyle m} ?
Solution.