On sign inconsistent linear systems (Q1124939)

A linear system of equations \(Ax=b\) is called sign inconsistent if for each matrix \((A',b')\) with the same sign pattern as \((A,b)\), the corresponding linear system \(A'x=b'\) is not solvable. Sign inconsistent linear systems are closely related to sign solvable and conditionally sign solvable linear systems. A complete characterization of sign inconsistent linear systems is given in terms of \(L\)-matrices and various properties are studied. Complete characterizations of the minimally sign inconsistent linear systems are also given in terms of the \(L\)-canonical forms and their corresponding canonical digraphs of the barely \(L\)-matrices.