A class of totally positive \(P\)-matrices whose inverses are \(M\)-matrices (Q2463916)

Some properties of \(P\)-matrices (i.e. square matrices with positive principal minors) are emphasized. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a \(P\)-matrix to have an \(M\)-matrix as inverse are provided, as well as some conditions under which the inverse of a \(P\)-matrix is totally positive (a matrix is totally positive if all its minors are nonnegative). A special class of oscillatory matrices is studied. This class was introduced by \textit{T. L. Markham} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 36(1972), 326--330 (1973; Zbl 0281.15016)]. It is proved that these matrices are totally positive and their inverses are tridiagonal \(M\)-matrices.