Matrix Completion Discriminants

Abstract: We introduce the matrix completion discriminant of a graph as the Zariski closure of the set of partial symmetric matrices whose completion fibers fail to meet a rank stratum transversely. A clique-sum formula for the matrix completion discriminant is established for arbitrary graphs, while explicit defining equations for cycles are obtained in terms of iterated resultants. Using these results together with the analysis of $K_4$-minor-free graphs, we prove that for every cycle-completable graph, the discriminant factors into determinant factors from maximal cliques and resultant factors from chordless cycles.