Sign pattern matrices that allow inertia \(\mathbb{S}_n\) (Q2278645)

The inertia of a real matrix $A$ of order $n$ is an ordered triple $(n_+, n_-, n_0)$ of nonnegative integers summing to $n$, where $n_+, n_-, n_0$ are the numbers of eigenvalues of $A$ with positive, negative, and zero real parts, respectively. A sign pattern matrix is a matrix $A$ of order $n$ with entries in $\{+, -, 0\}$. The authors consider sign pattern matrices of order $n$ that allow inertias in the set $\mathbb{S}_n$. All sign patterns of order 3 (up to equivalence) that allow $\mathbb{S}_3$ are classified and organized according to their associated directed graphs. It is also given a construction that, using a sign pattern of order \(m\) associated with $\mathbb{S}_m$, creates sign patterns of any order $n > m$ that allow $\mathbb{S}_n$. In addition, a minimal set of such matrices is found. Finally, given a pattern of order $n$ that allows $\mathbb{S}_n$, a construction that generates families of irreducible sign patterns of order $n+$ is described.