A finite characterization of K -matrices in dimensions less than four

Abstract

The class of real n × n matrices M , known as K -matrices, for which the linear complementarity problem w − Mz = q, w ≥ 0, z ≥ 0, w T z =0 has a solution whenever w − Mz =q, w ≥ 0, z ≥ 0 has a solution is characterized for dimensions n <4. The characterization is finite and ‘practical’. Several necessary conditions, sufficient conditions, and counterexamples pertaining to K -matrices are also given. A finite characterization of completely K -matrices ( K -matrices all of whose principal submatrices are also K -matrices) is proved for dimensions <4.