Intervals of inverse \(M\)-matrices (Q1611217)

A \(P\)-matrix is a square matrix whose principal minors are positive, a \(Z\)-matrix is a square matrix whose off-diagonal entries are nonpositive, and an (invertible) \(M\)-matrix is one that is both a \(P\)-matrix and a \(Z\)-matrix. An inverse \(M\)-matrix is a matrix whose inverse is an \(M\)-matrix; necessarily such a matrix has positive principal minors and nonnegative entries. The authors show that if \(A\) and \(B\) are inverse \(M\)-matrices then the interval determined by \(A\) and \(B\) contains only inverse \(M\)-matrices if and only if all vertices of the interval are inverse \(M\). Limitations on strengthening such a statement are exhibited by example, and generalizations to classes of matrices defined by identically signed collections of minors are mentioned.