diff --git a/basis/math/matrices/elimination/elimination.factor b/basis/math/matrices/elimination/elimination.factor
index 168274a12e..1d00a55dea 100644
--- a/basis/math/matrices/elimination/elimination.factor
+++ b/basis/math/matrices/elimination/elimination.factor
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ SYMBOL: matrix
 : cols ( -- n ) 0 nth-row length ;
 
 : skip ( i seq quot -- n )
-    over [ find-from drop ] dip length or ; inline
+    over [ find-from drop ] dip swap [ nip ] [ length ] if* ; inline
 
 : first-col ( row# -- n )
     #! First non-zero column