Viewing determinants as nonintersecting lattice paths yields classical determinantal identities bijectively (Q456343)

Summary: In this paper, we show how general determinants may be viewed as generating functions of nonintersecting lattice paths, using the Lindström-Gessel-Viennot-method and the Jacobi Trudi identity together with elementary observations. After some preparations, this point of view provides ``graphical proofs'' for classical determinantal identities like the Cauchy-Binet formula, Dodgson's condensation formula, the Plücker relations, Laplace's expansion and Turnbull's identity. Also, a determinantal identity generalizing Dodgson's condensation formula is presented, which might be new.