Determinants Class 12
Master Determinants Class 12 with comprehensive NCERT Solutions, Practice Questions, MCQs, Sample Papers, Case Based Questions, and Video lessons.
NCERT Solutions
Determinants Class 12 – NCERT Solutions
Each question below opens its complete step-by-step Teachoo solution.
Ex 4.1
13 questionsEx 4.1,1
Evaluate the determinants
$\left|\begin{array}{rr}2 & 4 \\ -5 & -1\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 2 (i)
Evaluate the determinants
$\left|\begin{array}{cc}\cos \theta & -\sin \theta \\ \sin \theta & \cos \theta\end{array}\right|$ (ii) $\left|\begin{array}{cc}x^2-x+1 & x-1 \\ x+1 & x+1\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 2 (ii)
Evaluate the determinants
$\left|\begin{array}{cc}x^2-x+1 & x-1 \\ x+1 & x+1\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 3
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}1 & 2 \\ 4 & 2\end{array}\right]$, then show that $|2 \mathrm{~A}|=4|\mathrm{~A}|$
View solutionEx 4.1, 4
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{lll}1 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 & 2 \\ 0 & 0 & 4\end{array}\right]$, then show that $|3 \mathrm{~A}|=27|\mathrm{~A}|$
View solutionEx 4.1, 5 (i)
Evaluate the determinants
(i) $\left|\begin{array}{rrr}3 & -1 & -2 \\ 0 & 0 & -1 \\ 3 & -5 & 0\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 5 (ii)
Evaluate the determinants
(ii) $\left|\begin{array}{rrr}3 & -4 & 5 \\ 1 & 1 & -2 \\ 2 & 3 & 1\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 5 (iii)
Evaluate the determinants
(iii) $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}0 & 1 & 2 \\ -1 & 0 & -3 \\ -2 & 3 & 0\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 5 (iv)
Evaluate the determinants
(iv) $\left|\begin{array}{rrr}2 & -1 & -2 \\ 0 & 2 & -1 \\ 3 & -5 & 0\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 6
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}1 & 1 & -2 \\ 2 & 1 & -3 \\ 5 & 4 & -9\end{array}\right]$, find $|\mathrm{A}|$
View solutionEx 4.1, 7 (i)
Find values of $x$, if
(i) $\left|\begin{array}{ll}2 & 4 \\ 5 & 1\end{array}\right|=\left|\begin{array}{cc}2 x & 4 \\ 6 & x\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 7 (ii)
Find values of $x$, if
(ii) $\left|\begin{array}{ll}2 & 3 \\ 4 & 5\end{array}\right|=\left|\begin{array}{cc}x & 3 \\ 2 x & 5\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.1, 8 (MCQ)
If $\left|\begin{array}{cc}x & 2 \\ 18 & x\end{array}\right|=\left|\begin{array}{cc}6 & 2 \\ 18 & 6\end{array}\right|$, then $x$ is equal to
(A) 6
(B) $\pm 6$
(C) -6
(D) 0
Ex 4.2
9 questionsEx 4.2,1 (i)
Find area of the triangle with vertices at the point given in each of the following :
(i) (1, 0), (6, 0), $(4,3)$
Ex 4.2,1 (ii)
Find area of the triangle with vertices at the point given in each of the following :
(ii) $(2,7),(1,1),(10,8)$
Ex 4.2,1 (iii)
Find area of the triangle with vertices at the point given in each of the following :
(iii) (-2, -3), (3, 2), (-1, -8)
Ex 4.2, 2
Show that points
$\mathrm{A}(a, b+c), \mathrm{B}(b, c+a), \mathrm{C}(c, a+b)$ are collinear.
Ex 4.2, 3 (i)
Find values of $k$ if area of triangle is 4 sq. units and vertices are
(i) $(k, 0),(4,0),(0,2)$
Ex 4.2, 3 (ii)
Find values of $k$ if area of triangle is 4 sq. units and vertices are
(ii) $(-2,0),(0,4),(0, k)$
Ex 4.2, 4 (i)
Find equation of line joining $(1,2)$ and $(3,6)$ using determinants.
View solutionEx 4.2, 4 (ii)
Find equation of line joining $(3,1)$ and $(9,3)$ using determinants.
View solutionEx 4.2, 5 (MCQ)
If area of triangle is 35 sq units with vertices (2, -6), $(5,4)$ and $(k, 4)$. Then $k$ is
(A) 12
(B) -2
(C) -12, -2
(D) $12,-2$
Ex 4.3
7 questionsEx 4.3, 1 (i)
Write Minors and Cofactors of the elements of following determinants:
$\left|\begin{array}{rr}2 & -4 \\ 0 & 3\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.3, 1 (ii)
Write Minors and Cofactors of the elements of following determinants:
$\left|\begin{array}{cc}a & c \\ b & d\end{array}\right|$
Ex 4.3, 2 (i)
$\left|\begin{array}{lll}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1\end{array}\right|$
View solutionEx 4.3, 2 (ii)
$\left|\begin{array}{rrr}1 & 0 & 4 \\ 3 & 5 & -1 \\ 0 & 1 & 2\end{array}\right|$
View solutionEx 4.3, 3
Using Cofactors of elements of second row, evaluate $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{lll}5 & 3 & 8 \\ 2 & 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 2 & 3\end{array}\right|$
View solutionEx 4.3, 4
Using Cofactors of elements of third column, evaluate $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{lll}1 & x & y z \\ 1 & y & z x \\ 1 & z & x y\end{array}\right|$.
View solutionEx 4.3, 5 (MCQ)
If $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{lll}a_{11} & a_{12} & a_{13} \\ a_{21} & a_{22} & a_{23} \\ a_{31} & a_{32} & a_{33}\end{array}\right|$ and $\mathrm{A}_{i j}$ is Cofactors of $a_{i j}$, then value of $\Delta$ is given by
(A) $a_{11} \mathrm{~A}_{31}+a_{12} \mathrm{~A}_{32}+a_{13} \mathrm{~A}_{33}$
(B) $a_{11} \mathrm{~A}_{11}+a_{12} \mathrm{~A}_{21}+a_{13} \mathrm{~A}_{31}$
(C) $a_{21} \mathrm{~A}_{11}+a_{22} \mathrm{~A}_{12}+a_{23} \mathrm{~A}_{13}$
(D) $a_{11} \mathrm{~A}_{11}+a_{21} \mathrm{~A}_{21}+a_{31} \mathrm{~A}_{31}$
Ex 4.4
18 questionsEx 4.4, 1
Find adjoint of each of the matrices
$\left[\begin{array}{ll}1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 2
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & -1 & 2 \\ 2 & 3 & 5 \\ -2 & 0 & 1\end{array}\right]$
View solutionEx 4.4, 3
Verify $\mathrm{A}(\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A})=(\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}) \mathrm{A}=|\mathrm{A}| \mathrm{I}$
$\left[\begin{array}{cc}2 & 3 \\ -4 & -6\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 4
Verify $\mathrm{A}(\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A})=(\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}) \mathrm{A}=|\mathrm{A}| \mathrm{I}$
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & -1 & 2 \\ 3 & 0 & -2 \\ 1 & 0 & 3\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 5
Find the inverse of each of the matrices (if it exists) given
$\left[\begin{array}{cc}2 & -2 \\ 4 & 3\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 6
Find the inverse of each of the matrices (if it exists) given
$\left[\begin{array}{ll}-1 & 5 \\ -3 & 2\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 7
Find the inverse of each of the matrices (if it exists) given
$\left[\begin{array}{lll}1 & 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 2 & 4 \\ 0 & 0 & 5\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 8
Find the inverse of each of the matrices (if it exists) given
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 3 & 3 & 0 \\ 5 & 2 & -1\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 9
Find the inverse of each of the matrices (if it exists) given
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2 & 1 & 3 \\ 4 & -1 & 0 \\ -7 & 2 & 1\end{array}\right]$
Ex 4.4, 10
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & -1 & 2 \\ 0 & 2 & -3 \\ 3 & -2 & 4\end{array}\right]$
View solutionEx 4.4, 11
$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & \cos \alpha & \sin \alpha \\ 0 & \sin \alpha & -\cos \alpha\end{array}\right]$
View solutionEx 4.4, 12
Let $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}3 & 7 \\ 2 & 5\end{array}\right]$ and $\mathrm{B}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}6 & 8 \\ 7 & 9\end{array}\right]$. Verify that $(\mathrm{AB})^{-1}=\mathrm{B}^{-1} \mathrm{~A}^{-1}$.
View solutionEx 4.4, 13
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}3 & 1 \\ -1 & 2\end{array}\right]$, show that $\mathrm{A}^2-5 \mathrm{~A}+7 \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{O}$. Hence find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$.
View solutionEx 4.4, 14
For the matrix $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}3 & 2 \\ 1 & 1\end{array}\right]$, find the numbers $a$ and $b$ such that $\mathrm{A}^2+a \mathrm{~A}+b \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{O}$.
View solutionEx 4.4, 15
For the matrix $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 2 & -3 \\ 2 & -1 & 3\end{array}\right]$
Show that $\mathrm{A}^3-6 \mathrm{~A}^2+5 \mathrm{~A}+11 \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{O}$. Hence, find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$.
Ex 4.4, 16
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2 & -1 & 1 \\ -1 & 2 & -1 \\ 1 & -1 & 2\end{array}\right]$
Verify that $\mathrm{A}^3-6 \mathrm{~A}^2+9 \mathrm{~A}-4 \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{O}$ and hence find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$
Ex 4.4, 17 (MCQ)
Let A be a nonsingular square matrix of order 3 × 3. Then $|\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}|$ is equal to
(A) $|\mathrm{A}|$
(B) $|\mathrm{A}|^2$
(C) $|\mathrm{A}|^3$
(D) $3|\mathrm{~A}|$
Ex 4.4, 18 (MCQ)
If A is an invertible matrix of order 2, then $\operatorname{det}\left(\mathrm{A}^{-1}\right)$ is equal to
(A) $\operatorname{det}(\mathrm{A})$
(B) $\frac{1}{\operatorname{det}(\mathrm{~A})}$
(C) 1
(D) 0
Ex 4.5
16 questionsEx 4.5, 1
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& x+2 y=2 \\
& 2 x+3 y=3
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 2
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 x-y=5 \\
& x+y=4
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 3
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& x+3 y=5 \\
& 2 x+6 y=8
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 4
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& x+y+z=1 \\
& 2 x+3 y+2 z=2 \\
& a x+a y+2 a z=4
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 5
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 3 x-y-2 z=2 \\
& 2 y-z=-1 \\
& 3 x-5 y=3
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 6
Examine the consistency of the system of equations.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 5 x-y+4 z=5 \\
& 2 x+3 y+5 z=2 \\
& 5 x-2 y+6 z=-1
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 7
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 5 x+2 y=4 \\
& 7 x+3 y=5
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 8
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 x-y=-2 \\
& 3 x+4 y=3
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 9
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 4 x-3 y=3 \\
& 3 x-5 y=7
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 10
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 5 x+2 y=3 \\
& 3 x+2 y=5
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 11
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{gathered}
2 x+y+z=1 \\
x-2 y-z=\frac{3}{2} \\
3 y-5 z=9
\end{gathered}
$$
12.
$$
\begin{gathered}
x-y+z=4 \\
2 x+y-3 z=0 \\
x+y+z=2
\end{gathered}
$$
13.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 x+3 y+3 z=5 \\
& x-2 y+z=-4 \\
& 3 x-y-2 z=3
\end{aligned}
$$
14.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& x-y+2 z=7 \\
& 3 x+4 y-5 z=-5 \\
& 2 x-y+3 z=12
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 12
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{gathered}
x-y+z=4 \\
2 x+y-3 z=0 \\
x+y+z=2
\end{gathered}
$$
Ex 4.5, 13
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 x+3 y+3 z=5 \\
& x-2 y+z=-4 \\
& 3 x-y-2 z=3
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 14
Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& x-y+2 z=7 \\
& 3 x+4 y-5 z=-5 \\
& 2 x-y+3 z=12
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 15
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}2 & -3 & 5 \\ 3 & 2 & -4 \\ 1 & 1 & -2\end{array}\right]$, find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$. Using $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$ solve the system of equations
$$
\begin{aligned}
2 x-3 y+5 z & =11 \\
3 x+2 y-4 z & =-5 \\
x+y-2 z & =-3
\end{aligned}
$$
Ex 4.5, 16
The cost of 4 kg onion, 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice is Rs 60. The cost of 2 kg onion, 4 kg wheat and 6 kg rice is Rs 90. The cost of 6 kg onion 2 kg wheat and 3 kg rice is Rs 70. Find cost of each item per kg by
matrix method.
Examples
19 questionsExample 1
Evaluate $\left|\begin{array}{rr}2 & 4 \\ -1 & 2\end{array}\right|$.
View solutionExample 2
Evaluate $\left|\begin{array}{cc}x & x+1 \\ x-1 & x\end{array}\right|$
View solutionExample 3
Evaluate the determinant $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{rrr}1 & 2 & 4 \\ -1 & 3 & 0 \\ 4 & 1 & 0\end{array}\right|$.
View solutionExample 4
Evaluate $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{ccc}0 & \sin \alpha & -\cos \alpha \\ -\sin \alpha & 0 & \sin \beta \\ \cos \alpha & -\sin \beta & 0\end{array}\right|$.
View solutionExample 5
Find values of $x$ for which $\left|\begin{array}{ll}3 & x \\ x & 1\end{array}\right|=\left|\begin{array}{ll}3 & 2 \\ 4 & 1\end{array}\right|$.
View solutionExample 6
Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are $(3,8),(-4,2)$ and $(5,1)$.
View solutionExample 7
Find the equation of the line joining $\mathrm{A}(1,3)$ and $\mathrm{B}(0,0)$ using determinants and find $k$ if $\mathrm{D}(k, 0)$ is a point such that area of triangle ABD is 3 sq units.
View solutionExample 8
Find the minor of element 6 in the determinant $\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{lll}1 & 2 & 3 \\ 4 & 5 & 6 \\ 7 & 8 & 9\end{array}\right|$
View solutionExample 9
Find minors and cofactors of all the elements of the determinant $\left|\begin{array}{rr}1 & -2 \\ 4 & 3\end{array}\right|$
View solutionExample 10
Find minors and cofactors of the elements $a_{11}, a_{21}$ in the determinant
$$
\Delta=\left|\begin{array}{lll}
a_{11} & a_{12} & a_{13} \\
a_{21} & a_{22} & a_{23} \\
a_{31} & a_{32} & a_{33}
\end{array}\right|
$$
Example 11
Find minors and cofactors of the elements of the determinant $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}2 & -3 & 5 \\ 6 & 0 & 4 \\ 1 & 5 & -7\end{array}\right|$ and verify that $a_{11} \mathrm{~A}_{31}+a_{12} \mathrm{~A}_{32}+a_{13} \mathrm{~A}_{33}=0$
View solutionExample 12
Find $\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}$ for $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}2 & 3 \\ 1 & 4\end{array}\right]$
View solutionExample 13
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{lll}1 & 3 & 3 \\ 1 & 4 & 3 \\ 1 & 3 & 4\end{array}\right]$, then verify that $\mathrm{A} \operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}=|\mathrm{A}| \mathrm{I}$. Also find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$.
View solutionExample 14
If $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}2 & 3 \\ 1 & -4\end{array}\right]$ and $\mathrm{B}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1 & -2 \\ -1 & 3\end{array}\right]$, then verify that $(\mathrm{AB})^{-1}=\mathrm{B}^{-1} \mathrm{~A}^{-1}$.
View solutionExample 15
Show that the matrix $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ll}2 & 3 \\ 1 & 2\end{array}\right]$ satisfies the equation $\mathrm{A}^2-4 \mathrm{~A}+\mathrm{I}=\mathrm{O}$, where I is $2 \times 2$ identity matrix and O is $2 \times 2$ zero matrix. Using this equation, find $\mathrm{A}^{-1}$.
View solutionExample 16
Solve the system of equations
$$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 x+5 y=1 \\
& 3 x+2 y=7
\end{aligned}
$$
Example 17
Solve the following system of equations by matrix method.
$$
\begin{array}{r}
3 x-2 y+3 z=8 \\
2 x+y-z=1 \\
4 x-3 y+2 z=4
\end{array}
$$
Example 18
The sum of three numbers is 6. If we multiply third number by 3 and add second number to it, we get 11. By adding first and third numbers, we get double of the second number. Represent it algebraically and find the numbers using matrix method.
View solutionExample 19
Use product $\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 1 & 2 \\ 0 & 2 & 3 \\ 3 & 2 & 4\end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2 & 0 & 1 \\ 9 & 2 & 3 \\ 6 & 1 & 2\end{array}\right]$ to solve the system of equations
$$
\begin{array}{r}
x-y+2 z=1 \\
2 y-3 z=1 \\
3 x-2 y+4 z=2
\end{array}
$$
Miscellaneous
9 questionsMisc 1
Prove that the determinant $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}x & \sin \theta & \cos \theta \\ -\sin \theta & -x & 1 \\ \cos \theta & 1 & x\end{array}\right|$ is independent of $\theta$.
View solutionMisc 2
Evaluate $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}\cos \alpha \cos \beta & \cos \alpha \sin \beta & -\sin \alpha \\ -\sin \beta & \cos \beta & 0 \\ \sin \alpha \cos \beta & \sin \alpha \sin \beta & \cos \alpha\end{array}\right|$
View solutionMisc 3
If $A^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}3 & -1 & 1 \\ -15 & 6 & -5 \\ 5 & -2 & 2\end{array}\right]$ and $B=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 2 & -2 \\ -1 & 3 & 0 \\ 0 & -2 & 1\end{array}\right]$, find $(A B)^{-1}$
View solutionMisc 4
Let $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 2 & 1 \\ 2 & 3 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & 5\end{array}\right]$. Verify that
(i) $[\operatorname{adj} \mathrm{A}]^{-1}=\operatorname{adj}\left(\mathrm{A}^{-1}\right)$
(ii) $\left(\mathrm{A}^{-1}\right)^{-1}=\mathrm{A}$
Misc 5
Evaluate $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}x & y & x+y \\ y & x+y & x \\ x+y & x & y\end{array}\right|$
View solutionMisc 6
Evaluate $\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1 & x & y \\ 1 & x+y & y \\ 1 & x & x+y\end{array}\right|$
View solutionMisc 7
Solve the system of equations
$$
\begin{aligned}
& \frac{2}{x}+\frac{3}{y}+\frac{10}{z}=4 \\
& \frac{4}{x}-\frac{6}{y}+\frac{5}{z}=1 \\
& \frac{6}{x}+\frac{9}{y}-\frac{20}{z}=2
\end{aligned}
$$
Misc 8 (MCQ)
Choose the correct answer.
If $x, y, z$ are nonzero real numbers, then the inverse of matrix $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & y & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & z\end{array}\right]$ is
(A) $\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x^{-1} & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & y^{-1} & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & z^{-1}\end{array}\right]$
(B) $x y z\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x^{-1} & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & y^{-1} & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & z^{-1}\end{array}\right]$
(C) $\frac{1}{x y z}\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & y & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & z\end{array}\right]$
(D) $\frac{1}{x y z}\left[\begin{array}{lll}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1\end{array}\right]$
Misc 9 (MCQ)
Choose the correct answer.
Let $\mathrm{A}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1 & \sin \theta & 1 \\ -\sin \theta & 1 & \sin \theta \\ -1 & -\sin \theta & 1\end{array}\right]$, where $0 \leq \theta \leq 2 \pi$. Then
(A) $\operatorname{Det}(\mathrm{A})=0$
(B) $\operatorname{Det}(\mathrm{A}) \in(2, \infty)$
(C) $\operatorname{Det}(\mathrm{A}) \in(2,4)$
(D) $\operatorname{Det}(\mathrm{A}) \in[2,4]$
Why Learn This With Teachoo?
Determinants associates a scalar value with a square matrix and uses it to test invertibility, solve equations and calculate areas. Students evaluate determinants, use properties, find minors and cofactors, construct adjoints and inverses and solve linear systems. Teachoo offers NCERT exercise solutions, examples, miscellaneous problems and concept-wise explanations for determinant calculations and applications.
Evaluation and properties
For a 2×2 matrix [[a,b],[c,d]], the determinant is ad−bc. A 3×3 determinant can be expanded along any row or column using cofactors. Choosing a row or column containing zeros often reduces work.
Determinant properties allow strategic simplification. Interchanging two rows changes the sign. Multiplying a row by k multiplies the determinant by k. Adding a multiple of one row to another leaves the determinant unchanged. If two rows are equal or proportional, the determinant is zero. Common factors should be extracted explicitly so their effect on the determinant is visible.
Minors, cofactors, adjoint and inverse
The minor Mᵢⱼ is obtained by deleting row i and column j. The cofactor is Aᵢⱼ=(−1)ⁱ⁺ʲMᵢⱼ. The adjoint is the transpose of the cofactor matrix. For a square matrix A with |A|≠0,
A⁻¹=adj A/|A|.
If |A|=0, A is singular and has no inverse. The identity A(adj A)=|A|I provides a useful verification.
Applications
The area of a triangle with coordinate vertices can be expressed using a determinant. The absolute value is required, and zero area indicates collinearity. Systems of linear equations may be solved by inverse matrices or Cramer’s Rule when the relevant determinant is non-zero. If it is zero, consistency requires further analysis rather than division.
Topics and resources on Teachoo
-
NCERT exercises, examples and miscellaneous solutions;
-
determinants of order two and three;
-
simplification using properties;
-
minors, cofactors and cofactor expansion;
-
adjoint and inverse of a matrix;
-
area of a triangle and collinearity;
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solving linear equations;
-
consistency and parameter-based questions;
-
board and higher-order practice where available.
Learning outcomes
Students should be able to evaluate determinants efficiently, apply properties without altering value incorrectly and calculate minors and cofactors. They should find inverses, solve systems and use determinant methods in coordinate geometry.
Board and entrance-exam preparation
Look for structure before expanding: zeros, repeated patterns and simple row or column transformations can shorten a calculation. Record every operation and its effect. In equation systems, first identify the coefficient matrix and determinant, then choose inverse or Cramer’s method.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use determinant notation for a non-square matrix. Cofactor signs alternate in a checkerboard pattern beginning with plus. Interchanging rows changes the sign; adding a multiple of another row does not. Area is non-negative, so take the absolute value. Never apply the inverse formula when |A|=0.
Deeper reasoning and concept connections
A student has understood Determinants only when the idea can be moved between words, diagrams, examples and mathematical notation. Start with a concrete example, identify what changes and what remains fixed, represent the relationship clearly and then state the rule. This movement between representations is important because school and competency questions often present a familiar idea in an unfamiliar form.
The chapter should also be connected to earlier and later mathematics. Definitions supply the language, worked examples reveal the method, and mixed questions test whether the method can be selected without a hint. Instead of memorising the appearance of a solved question, ask what information triggered the method, which condition made it valid and how the answer could be checked. That makes learning transferable to later chapters rather than limited to one exercise.
How to solve unfamiliar and competency-based questions
Read the complete problem before calculating. Underline the quantities, conditions and command word—find, compare, construct, justify, estimate or prove. Rephrase the task in one sentence and choose a representation such as a table, labelled figure, number line, expression or graph. Solve in small steps, keeping units and labels visible.
For an application question, the final line must answer the situation, not only display a number. For an assertion–reason question, test the assertion and reason separately before deciding whether one explains the other. For an MCQ, eliminate options using definitions, signs, size estimates or boundary cases before performing long calculations. If the answer is visual, check it against the stated scale or construction conditions rather than the appearance of the drawing.
What complete mastery looks like
For Determinants, a student should be able to define the central ideas in simple language, recognise them in different representations, solve routine questions accurately and explain the method used. They should also be able to correct a flawed solution, create an example satisfying given conditions and combine two ideas from the chapter in one problem. A reliable mastery test is to solve one direct question, one application question and one reasoning question without looking at notes, then explain all three aloud or in writing.
Keep a compact error log with four labels: concept, interpretation, calculation and presentation. Reattempt each error after a gap instead of rereading the answer immediately. Improvement comes from correcting the decision that caused the mistake, not from repeating questions whose method is already known.
Additional frequently asked questions
What should a student know before starting Determinants?
Revise the definitions, number operations, diagrams or notation used at the beginning of the chapter. The prerequisite list should be short: if an earlier skill blocks progress, repair that skill with two or three focused questions and return to the chapter.
How can a student check an answer in Determinants?
Use an independent check whenever possible: substitute the result, reverse the operation, estimate its size, compare it with the figure, test a simpler case or solve using another representation. A check should examine the mathematical condition, not merely repeat the same arithmetic.
How many questions are enough for strong preparation?
There is no fixed number. Stop counting questions and track coverage: every concept, every standard method, at least one mixed problem, one competency-based problem and every previously incorrect type should be solved independently. Ten varied, analysed questions are more valuable than fifty copied solutions.
How should Teachoo solutions be used without becoming dependent on them?
Attempt the question first and mark the exact step where progress stops. Read only enough of the solution to repair that step, close it and restart the question. Finally, solve a similar problem without help. This turns a solution into feedback rather than a substitute for thinking.
Frequently asked questions
What does a zero determinant mean?
It means the square matrix is singular and has no multiplicative inverse.
Can a determinant be expanded along any row or column?
Yes. A correct cofactor expansion gives the same value; choose the row or column that minimises work.
How are determinants used in coordinate geometry?
They calculate the signed area of a triangle; an absolute value gives area and zero indicates collinear points.