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Suppose $A$ is a positive definite matrix and $B$ is a non-symmetric matrix with all positive principal minors.

Is their product $AB$ a matrix with all positive principal minors?

I believe the answer is yes, and I have been trying to find a proof but got stuck along the way. The wiki page for minor gives a corollary to the Cauchy-Binet formula which I think may be of use: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_%28linear_algebra%29#Applications

Thank you, Alex

flag	asked Sep 12 2010 at 1:21 Alex Lupsasca 651●4●14

If you know first $B$ is total positive, then it is easy for you to find counterexample yourself. – Sunni Sep 17 2010 at 3:18

Victor Protsak · Accepted Answer · 2010-09-12 02:36:35Z UTC

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This isn't true even if $A$ and $B$ are both symmetric and positive definite. For example, let $$A=\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2\\2 & 5\end{pmatrix}, \quad B=\begin{pmatrix} 1 & -2\\-2 & 5\end{pmatrix},\quad\text{then}\quad AB=\begin{pmatrix} -3 & 8\\-8 & 21\end{pmatrix}.$$

answered Sep 12 2010 at 2:36

Victor Protsak
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Thank you. This is probably why I couldn't finish my proof :) – Alex Lupsasca Sep 12 2010 at 3:43

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It's always good to start with $2\times 2$ case :) – Victor Protsak Sep 12 2010 at 4:56

Principal Minors of Matrix Product

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