On permanents of positive semidefinite matrices (Q1061190)

Let A and B be positive semidefinite real symmetric matrices. Using properties of tensor products, \textit{T. Ando} [Hokkaido Math. J. 10, Special Issue, 10, No.1, 18-36 (1981; Zbl 0484.15006)] proved that \(per(A+B)\geq per A+per B\). In this paper, it is shown that the Binet- Cauchy formula for the permanent of a product of matrices can also be used to prove this inequality, and the conditions for equality to hold are determined. A number of consequences of the result are then given.