---
tag: 0J0BBCMJ5W
kind: concept
name: Pivot
msc: [15A06]
sources:
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivot_element
    locator: lead section
same_as:
  wikidata: Q1425280
  wikipedia: Pivot element
---

## Summary

A pivot of a matrix in row echelon form is the leading entry of a nonzero row.
In elimination, a pivot is the entry that we use to clear the other entries of its column.