Optimization of matrix determinant calculation

Question

I have this algorithm that calculates the matrix determinant using recursive divide-and conquer-approach:

int determ(int a[max][max],int max) {
  int det=0, p, h, k, i, j, temp[max][max];
    //base case omitted
    for(p=0;p<max;p++) {
      h = 0;
      k = 0;
      for(i=1;i<max;i++) {
        for( j=0;j<max;j++) {
          if(j==p) {
            continue;
          }
          temp[h][k] = a[i][j];
          k++;
          if(k==max-1) {
            h++;
            k = 0;
          }
        }
      }
      det=det+a[0][p]*pow(-1,p)*determ(temp,max-1);
    }
    return det;
}

I want to optimize the main loop (with a loop unwinding or any strategy that can reduce the execution time). Any suggestion?

Answer 1

Sorry, it is not a divide and conquer, it's a combinatorial explosion. The timing complexity

$$T(n) = nT(n-1)$$

evaluates to n! - exponential growth. There is no way to heal the code; you have to choose another algorithm.