Pivot element

Non-zero element of a matrix selected by an algorithm

The pivot or pivot element is the element of a matrix, or an array, which is selected first by an algorithm, to do certain calculations. In the case of matrix algorithms, a pivot entry is usually required to be at least distinct from zero, and often distant from it; in this case finding this element is called pivoting. Pivoting may be followed by an interchange of rows or columns to bring the pivot to a fixed position and allow the algorithm to proceed successfully, and possibly to reduce round-off error. It is often used for verifying row echelon form.

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