CHAPTER – 4: DETERMINANTS

MARKS WEIGHTAGE – 10 marks

NCERT Important Questions & Answers

x 2 6 2
1. If  , then find the value of x.
18 x 18 6
Ans:
x 2 6 2
Given that 
18 x 18 6
On expanding both determinants, we get
x × x − 18 × 2 = 6 × 6 − 18 × 2  x2 − 36 = 36 − 36
 x2 − 36 = 0  x2 = 36
x = ± 6

a ab abc
2. Prove that 2a 3a  2b 4a  3b  2c  a3
3a 6a  3b 10a  6b  3c
Ans:
Applying operations R2 → R2 – 2R1 and R3 → R3 – 3R1 to the given determinant Δ, we have
a ab abc
 0 a 2a  b
0 3a 7a  3b
Now applying R3 → R3 – 3R2 , we get
a ab abc
 0 a 2a  b
0 0 a
Expanding along C1, we obtain
a 2a  b
a  0  0  a (a 2  0)  a(a 2 )  a 3
0 a
bc a a
3. Prove that b ca b  4abc
c c ab
Ans:
bc a a
Let   b ca b
c c a b
Applying R1 → R1 – R2 – R3 to Δ, we get
0 2c 2b
 b ca b
c c a b
Expanding along R1, we obtain
ca b b b b ca
0  (2c )  (2b)
c ab c ab c c
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 = 2 c (a b + b2 – bc) – 2 b (b c – c2 – ac)
= 2 abc + 2 cb2 – 2 bc2 – 2 b2c + 2 bc2 + 2abc
= 4 abc

x x2 1  x3
4. If x, y, z are different and   y y 2 1  y 3  0 then show that 1 + xyz = 0
z z2 1  z3
Ans:
x x 2 1  x3
We have   y y2 1  y3
z z2 1 z3
Now, we know that If some or all elements of a row or column of a determinant are expressed as
sum of two (or more) terms, then the determinant can be expressed as sum of two (or more)
determinants.
x x 2 1 x x 2 x3
  y y 2 1  y y 2 y 3
z z 2 1 z z 2 z3
1 x x2 1 x x2
 (1)2 1 y y 2  xyz 1 y y2 (Using C3↔C2 and then C1 ↔ C2)
1 z z2 1 z z2
1 x x2
 (1  xyz ) 1 y y2
1 z z2
1 x x2
 (1  xyz ) 0 yx y 2  x2 (Using R2→R2–R1 and R3 → R3–R1)
2 2
0 zx z x
Taking out common factor (y – x) from R2 and (z – x) from R3, we get
1 x x2
  (1  xyz )( y  x)( z  x) 0 1 y  x
0 1 zx
= (1 + xyz) (y – x) (z – x) (z – y) (on expanding along C1)
Since Δ = 0 and x, y, z are all different, i.e., x – y ≠ 0, y – z ≠ 0, z – x ≠ 0, we get
1 + xyz = 0
1 a 1 1
 1 1 1
5. Show that 1 1  b 1  abc  1      abc  bc  ca  ab
 a b c
1 1 1 c
Ans:
1 a 1 1
LHS  1 1  b 1
1 1 1 c
Taking out factors a,b,c common from R1, R2 and R3, we get

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 1 1 1
1
a a a
1 1 1
  abc 1
b b b
1 1 1
1
c c c
Applying R1→ R1 + R2 + R3, we have
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1   1   1  
a b c a b c a b c
1 1 1
  abc 1
b b b
1 1 1
1
c c c

Now applying C2 → C2 – C1, C3 → C3 – C1, we get

1 0 0
 1 1 1 1
  abc  1     1 0
 a b c b
1
0 1
c
 1 1 1
   abc 1     1(1  0)
 a b c
 1 1 1
 abc 1      abc  bc  ca  ab = RHS
 a b c
6. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
bc qr y  z a p x
ca r p z x  2 b q y
ab pq x  y c r z
Ans:
bc qr y z
LHS  c  a r  p zx
a b pq x y
bc ca ab
 qr r p pq (interchange row and column)
yz zx x y
bc ca 2c
 q  r r  p 2r [usingC3 → C3 − (C1 + C2)]
y  z z  x 2 z
bc ca c
 (2) q  r r  p r (taking ‘–2’ common from C3)
yz zx z

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 b a c
 (2) q p r (using C1 → C1 – C3 and C2 → C2 − C3)
y x z
a b c
2 p q r (using
x y z
C1 ↔ C2)
a p x
 2 b q y  RHS (interchange row and column)
c r z
7. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
 a 2 ab ac
ba b 2 bc  4a 2b 2c 2
ca cb c 2
Ans:
a 2 ab ac a b c
2
LHS  ba b bc  abc a b c [taking out factors a from R1, b from R2 and c from
ca cb c 2 a b c
R3]
1 1 1
 (abc)(abc) 1 1 1 (taking out factors a from C1, b from C2 and c from C3)
1 1 1
0 0 2
2 2 2
 a b c 0 2 2 (using R1 → R1 + R2 and R2 → R2 − R3)
1 1 1
Expanding corresponding to first row R1, we get
0 2
 a 2b 2 c 2  2
1 1
 a 2b 2c 2  2(0  2)  4a 2b 2 c 2  RHS
8. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
1 a a2
1 b b 2  (a  b)(b  c)(c  a )
1 c c2
Ans:
1 a a2
LHS  1 b b 2
1 c c2
Applying R1  R1  R3 and R2  R2  R3 , we get
0 a  c a2  c2 0 a  c (a  c )(a  c )
2 2
 0 bc b c  0 bc (b  c )(b  c)
2
1 c c 1 c c2
Taking common factors (a − c) and (b − c) from R1 and R2 respectively, we get
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 0 1 (a  c)
 (a  c )(b  c ) 0 1 (b  c )
1 c c2
Now, expanding corresponding to C1, we get
= (a − c) (b − c) (b + c − a − c) = (a − b) (b − c) (c − a) = RHS

9. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that

1 1 1
a b c  (a  b)(b  c )(c  a )(a  b  c )
a 3 b3 c3
Ans:
1 1 1
LHS  a b c
a3 b3 c3
Applying C1  C1  C2 and C2  C2  C3 , we get
0 0 1
 a b bc c
a 3  b3 b3  c3 c3
0 0 1
 ab bc c
(a  b)(a  ab  b ) (b  c)(b  bc  c ) c3
2 2 2 2

Taking common (a − b) from C1 and (b − c) from C2, we get

0 0 1
 (a  b)(b  c ) ab bc c
(a  ab  b ) (b  bc  c ) c3
2 2 2 2

Now, expanding along R1, we get

= (a − b) (b − c) [1 × (b2 + bc + c2) − 1 × (a2 + ab + b2 )]
= (a − b) (b − c) [b2 + bc + c2 − a2 − ab − b2 ]
= (a − b) (b − c) (bc − ab + c2 − a2 )
= (a − b) (b − c) [b(c − a) + (c − a) (c + a)]
= (a − b) (b − c) (c − a) (a + b + c)= RHS.

10. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
x x 2 yz
y y 2 zx  ( x  y )( y  z )( z  x)( xy  yz  zx)
z z 2 xy
Ans:
x x2 yz
2
LHS  y y zx
2
z z xy
Applying R1  xR1 , R2  yR2 and R3  zR3 , we have
x2 x3 xyz
1 2 3
 y y xyz
xyz 2 3
z z xyz

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 x2 x3 1
xyz 2
 y y3 1 (take out xyz common from C3)
xyz 2 3
z z 1
x2 x3 1
 y 2  x2 y 3  x3 0 (using R2  R2  R1 and R3  R3  R1 )
2 2 3 3
z x z x 0
Expanding corresponding to C3, we get
y 2  x 2 y 3  x3
1 2
z  x 2 z 3  x3
  ( y 2  x 2 )( z 3  x 3 )  ( z 2  x 2 )( y 3  x3 ) 
= (y + x) (y − x) (z − x) (z2 + x2 + xz) − (z + x) (z − x) (y − x) (y2 + x2 + xy)
= (y − x) (z − x) [(y + x) (z2 + x2 + xz) − (z + x) (y2 + x2 + xy)]
= (y − x)(z − x)[yz2 + yx2 + xyz + xz2 + x3 + x2z − zy2 − zx2 − xyz − xy2 − x3 − x2y]
= (y − x)(z − x)[yz2 − zy2 + xz2 − xy2 ]
= (y − x)(z − x)[yz(z − y) + x(z2 − y2 )]
= (y − x)(z − x)[yz(z − y) + x(z − y)(z + y)]
= (y − x) (z − x) [(z − y) (xy + yz + zx)]
= (x − y) (y − z) (z − x) (xy + yz + zx) = RHS.

11. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
x  4 2x 2x
2x x  4 2 x  (5 x  4)(4  x )2
2x 2x x  4
Ans:
x4 2x 2x
LHS  2 x x  4 2x
2x 2x x  4
5x  4 2x 2x
 5x  4 x  4 2 x (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 )
5x  4 2 x x  4
1 2x 2x
 (5 x  4) 1 x  4 2 x [take out (5x + 4) common from C1].
1 2x x  4
1 2x 2x
 (5 x  4) 0  x  4 0 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
0 0 x  4
Expanding along C1, we get
= (5x + 4) {1(4 − x) (4 − x)}
 (5 x  4)(4  x) 2 = RHS.

12. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
yk y y
y yk y  k 2 (3 y  k )
y y yk
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 Ans:
yk y y
LHS  y yk y
y y yk
3y  k y y
 3y  k yk y (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 )
3y  k y yk
1 y y
 (3 y  k ) 1 y  k y [take out (5x + 4) common from C1].
1 y yk
1 y y
 (3 y  k ) 0 k 0 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
0 0 k
Expanding along C3, we get
 (3 y  k ) 1(k 2  0) 
 k 2 (3 y  k ) = RHS

13. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
a b c 2a 2a
2b bca 2b  (a  b  c)3
2c 2c c  a b
Ans:
a b c 2a 2a
LHS  2b bca 2b
2c 2c cab
abc a bc abc
 2b bca 2b (Using R1  R1  R2  R3 )
2c 2c c  a b
Take out (a + b + c) common from R1, we get
1 1 1
 (a  b  c) 2b b  c  a 2b
2c 2c c  a b
1 0 0
 (a  b  c) 2b b  c  a 0 (Using C 2  C 2  C1 and C3  C3  C1 )
2c 0 c  a b
Expanding along R1, we get
= (a + b + c) {1(− b − c − a) (− c − a − b)}
= (a + b + c) [− (b + c + a) × ( −) (c + a + b)]
 (a  b  c )(a  b  c )(a  b  c )  (a  b  c )3 = RHS

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14. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
x  y  2z x y
z y  z  2x y  2( x  y  z )3
z x z  x  2y
Ans:
x  y  2z x y
LHS  z y  z  2x y
z x z  x  2y
2( x  y  z ) x y
 2( x  y  z ) y  z  2x y (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 )
2( x  y  z ) x z  x  2y
1 x y
 2( x  y  z ) 1 y  z  2 x y [take out 2(x + y + z) common from C1].
1 x z  x  2y
1 x y
 2( x  y  z ) 0 yzx 0 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
0 0 z x y
1 x y
 2( x  y  z )( x  y  z )( x  y  z ) 0 1 0
0 0 1
Expanding along R3, we get
 2( x  y  z )( x  y  z )( x  y  z ) 1(1  0) 
 2( x  y  z )( x  y  z )( x  y  z )  2( x  y  z ) 3 =RHS
1 x x2
2
15. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that x 2 1 
x  1  x3 
x x2 1
Ans:
1 x x2
LHS  x 2 1 x
2
x x 1
1  x  x2 x x2
 1  x  x2 1 x (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 )
2 2
1 x  x x 1
1 x x2
 (1  x  x 2 ) 1 1 x [take out (1  x  x 2 ) common from C1].
1 x2 1
1 x x2
 (1  x  x 2 ) 0 1 x x  x2 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
2 2
0 x  x 1 x

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 1 x x2
 (1  x  x 2 ) 0 1 x x (1  x )
0 x ( x  1) 1  x2
Take out (1 − x) common from R2 and same from R3, we get
1 x x2
 (1  x  x 2 )(1  x)(1  x ) 0 1 x
0 x 1 x
Expanding along C1, we get
1 x
 (1  x  x 2 )(1  x )(1  x)
x 1 x
 (1  x  x 2 )(1  x )(1  x)(1  x  x 2 )
2
   
 1  x 3 1  x3  1  x 3 = RHS 
16. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
1  a 2  b2 2ab 2b
2 2
2ab 1 a  b 2a  (1  a 2  b 2 )3
2b 2a 1  a 2  b2
Ans:
1  a 2  b2 2ab 2b
2 2
LHS  2ab 1 a  b 2a
2b 2 a 1  a 2  b2
1  a2  b2 0 2b
2 2
 0 1 a  b 2a (Using C1  C1  bC3 and C2  C2  aC3 )
2 2 2 2 2 2
b(1  a  b )  a (1  a  b ) 1  a  b
1 0 2b
 (1  a 2  b 2 )2 0 1 2a
b a 1  a 2  b 2
1 0 2b
2 2 2
 (1  a  b ) 0 1 2a ( R3  R3  bR1  aR2 )
0 0 1  a 2  b2
Expanding along R1, we get
 (1  a 2  b 2 )2 1(1  a 2  b 2 ) 
 (1  a 2  b 2 )3  RHS

17. Using the property of determinants and without expanding, prove that
a 2  1 ab ac
ab b  1 bc  1  a 2  b 2  c 2
2

ca cb c2 1
Ans:
a2 1 ab ac
2
LHS  ab b 1 bc
ca cb c2 1

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 Taking out common factors a, b and c from R1, R2 and R3 respectively, we get
1
a b c
a
1
 a b c
b
1
a b c
c
1
a b c
a
1 1
  0 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
a b
1 1
 0
a c

Multiply and divide C1 by a, C2 by b and C3 by c and then take common out from C1, C2 and C3
respectively, we get
a 2  1 b2 c 2 a 2  1 b2 c2
1
 abc  1 1 0  1 1 0
abc
1 0 1 1 0 1
Expanding along R3, we get
 1 ( c 2 )  1 1( a 2  1)  1(b 2 ) 
 1  a 2  b 2  c 2  RHS

18. Find values of k if area of triangle is 4 sq. units and vertices are
(i) (k, 0), (4, 0), (0, 2) (ii) (–2, 0), (0, 4), (0, k)
Ans:
k 0 1
1
(i) We have Area of triangle = 4 0 1  4
2
0 2 1
 | k(0 − 2) + 1(8 − 0)| = 8
 k(0 − 2) + 1(8 − 0) = ± 8
On taking positive sign − 2k + 8 = 8
 − 2k = 0
k = 0
On taking negative sign −2k + 8 = − 8
 − 2k = − 16
k = 8
 k =0, 8
2 0 1
1
(ii) We have Area of triangle = 0 4 1 4
2
0 k 1
 | − 2(4 − k) + 1(0 − 0)| = 8
 − 2(4 − k) + 1(0 − 0) = ± 8
 [− 8 + 2k] = ± 8
On taking positive sign, 2k − 8 = 8  2k = 16  k = 8
On taking negative sign, 2k − 8 = − 8  2k = 0  k = 0
 k =0, 8

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19. If area of triangle is 35 sq units with vertices (2, – 6), (5, 4) and (k, 4). Then find the value of k.
Ans:
2 6 1
1
We have Area of triangle = 5 4 1  35
2
k 4 1
 |2 (4 − 4) + 6(5 − k) + 1(20 − 4k)| = 70
 2 (4 − 4) + 6 (5 − k) + 1(20 − 4k) = ± 70
 30 − 6k + 20 − 4k = ± 70
On taking positive sign, − 10k + 50 = 70
 − 10k = 20  k = − 2
On taking negative sign, − 10k + 50 = − 70
 − 10k = − 120  k = 12
 k = 12, − 2
5 3 8
20. Using Cofactors of elements of second row, evaluate   2 0 1
1 2 3
Ans:
5 3 8
Given that   2 0 1
1 2 3
Cofactors of the elements of second row
3 8
A21  (1) 21   (9  16)  7
2 3
5 8
A22  (1) 2 2  (15  8)  7
1 3
5 3
and A23  (1)23  (10  3)  7
1 2
Now, expansion of Δ using cofactors of elements of second row is given by
  a21 A21  a22 A22  a23 A23
= 2 × 7 + 0 × 7 + 1(− 7) = 14 − 7 = 7

 3 1
21. If A =   , show that A2 – 5A + 7I = O. Hence find A–1.
 1 2 
Ans:
 3 1
Given that A =  
 1 2 
Now, A2 – 5A + 7I = O
 3 1   3 1   9  2 3  2   8 5
A2  A. A      
 1 2   1 2   3  2 1  4  5 3
 8 5  3 1  1 0
  5  7 
 5 3  1 2  0 1
 8 5 15 5   7 0 
   
 5 3  5 10   0 7 
 8  15  7 5  5  0  0 0 
  O
 5  5  0 3  10  3 0 0 
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  A2 – 5A + 7I = O
3 1
| A |  6 1  7  0 
1 2
 A−1 exists.
Now, A.A − 5A = − 7I
Multiplying by A−1 on both sides, we get
A.A (A−1) – 5A(A−1) = − 7I(A−1)
 AI − 5I = –7A−1 (using AA−1 = I and IA−1 = A−1)
1 1 1  5 0   3 1  
A 1   ( A  5 I )   5 I  A      
7 7 7  0 5   1 2  
1  2 1

7 1 3 
1  2 1
 A1  
7  1 3 
3 1 
22. For the matrix A =   , find the numbers a and b such that A2 + aA + bI = O.
1 2
Ans:
3 1 
Given that A =  
1 2
3 2  3 2  9  2 6  2  11 8
A2  A. A      
1 1  1 1   3  1 2  1   4 3
Now, A2  aA  bI  O
11 8 3 2  1 0
  a  b  O
 4 3 1 1  0 1
11 8 3a 2a  b 0 
    O
 4 3  a a   0 b 
11  3a  b 8  2a  0 0 
 
 4 a 3  a  b  0 0 
If two matrices are equal, then their corresponding elements are equal.
 11 + 3a + b = 0 …(i)
8 + 2a = 0 …(ii)
4 + a = 0 …(iii)
and 3 + a + b = 0 …(iv)
Solving Eqs. (iii) and (iv), we get 4 + a = 0
 a=−4
and 3 + a + b = 0
3 − 4 + b = 0  b = 1
Thus, a = − 4 and b = 1

1 1 1 
23. For the matrix A =  1 2 3 , Show that A3– 6A2 + 5A + 11 I = O. Hence, find A–1.
 2 1 3 
Ans:

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 1 1 1
Given that A = 1 2 3

 2
1 3 
1 1 1   1 1 1  1  1  2 1  2  1 1  3  3   4 2 1 
2 
A  A. A   1 23  1 2 3  1  2  6 1  4  3 1  6  9    3 8 14 
     
 2 1 3   2 1 3   2  1  6 2  2  3 2  3  9   7 3 14 
4 2 1  1 1 1   4  2  2 4  4 1 463 
and A  A . A   3 8 14 1 2 3   3  8  28 3  16  14 3  24  42 
3 2     
 7 3 14   2 1 3   7  3  28 7  6  14 7  9  42 
 8 7 1 
  23 27 69

 32 13 58 
 A3  6 A2  5 A  11I
 8 7 1  4 2 1  1 1 1  1 0 0
  23 27 69   6  3 8 14   5 1 2 3  11 0
      1 0 
 32 13 58   7 3 14   2 1 3  0 0 1 
 8 7 1   24 12 6  5 5 5  11 0 0
  23 27 69    18 48 84   5 10 15    0
     11 0 
 32 13 58   42 18 84  10 5 15   0 0 11
 8  24  5  11 7  12  5  0 1 6  5  0 
  23  18  5  0 27  48  10  11 69  84  15  0 

32  42  10  0 13  18  5  0 58  84  15  11 
0 0 0
  0 0 0   O
 0 0 0 
1 1 1
| A | 1 2 3  1(6  3)  1(3  6)  1(1  4)  3  9  5  11  0
2 1 3
 A1 exist
Now, A3  6 A2  5 A  11I  O
 AA( AA1 )  6 A( AA1 )  5( AA1 )  11( IA1 )  O
 AAI  6 AI  5 I  11A1  O
 A2  6 A  5 I  11A1
1
 A 1   ( A 2  6 A  5 I )
11
1
 A 1  (  A 2  6 A  5 I )
11
  4 2 1  1 1 1  1 0 0  
1  
 A    3 8 14   6 1 2 3  5 0 1 0  
1   
11 
  7 3 14   2 1 3  0 0 1  

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   4 2 1   6 6 6  5 0 0  
1  
 A    3 8 14    6
1
12 18   0 5 0 
11 
  7 3 14  12 6 18  0 0 5 
 4  6  5 2  6  0 1  6  0 
1 
1
 A   3  6  0 8  12  5 14  18  0 
11
 7  12  0 3  6  0 14  18  5
 3 4 5 
1 
 A   9 1 4 
1

11
 5 3 1
24. Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method,
2x + y + z = 1
3
x – 2y – z =
2
3y – 5z = 9
Ans:
The given system can be written as AX = B, where
2 1 1  x 1 
A   2 4 2  , X   y  and B   3
   
 0 3 5   z  9 
2 1 1
| A | 2 4 2  2(20  6)  1( 10  0)  1(6  0)
0 3 5
= 52 + 10 + 6 = 68 ≠ 0
Thus, A is non-singular, Therefore, its inverse exists.
Therefore, the given system is consistent and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B.
Cofactors of A are
A11 = 20 + 6 = 26,
A12 = − (− 10 + 0) = 10,
A13 = 6 + 0 = 6
A21 = − (− 5 − 3) = 8,
A22 = − 10 − 0 = − 10,
A23 = − (6 − 0) = − 6
A31 = (− 2 + 4) = 2,
A32 = − (− 4 − 2) = 6,
A33 = − 8 − 2 = − 10
T
 26 10 6   26 8 2 
adj ( A)   8 10 6   10 10 6 
  
 2 6 10  6 6 10 
 26 8 2 
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)  10 10 6 
| A| 68 
 6 6 10 
x  26 8 2  1 
  1 
1
Now, X  A B   y   10 10 6   3
68 
 z   6 6 10  9 

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  
1
x  26  24  18  68   
1    1  34    1 
  y   10  30  54
68   68   2
 z   6  18  90   102   
3
 
2
1 3
Hence, x  1, y  and z 
2 2

25. Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method,

x–y+z=4
2x + y – 3z = 0
x+y+z=2
Ans:
The given system can be written as AX = B, where
 1 1 1  x 4
A   2 1 3 , X   y  and B   0 
   

 1 1 1   z   2 
1 1 1
Here,| A | 2 1 3 = 1(1 + 3) − (− 1) (2 + 3) + 1(2 − 1) = 4 + 5 + 1 = 10 ≠ 0
1 1 1
Thus, A is non-singular, Therefore, its inverse exists.
Therefore, the given system is consistent and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B.
Cofactors of A are
A11 = 1 + 3 = 4,
A12 = − (2 + 3) = − 5,
A13 = 2 − 1 = 1,
A21 = − (− 1 − 1) = 2,
A22 = 1 − 1 = 0,
A23 = − (1 + 1) = − 2,
A31 = 3 − 1 = 2,
A32 = − (− 3 − 2) = 5,
A33 = 1 + 2 = 3
T
4 5 1  4 2 2
adj ( A)   2 0 2    5
  0 5 
 2 5 3   1 2 3
4 2 2
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)   5 0 5 
| A| 10
 1 2 3 
x  4 2 2  4 
1 
Now, X  A B   y    5 0 5   0 
1  
10
 z   1 2 3  2 
x  16  0  4   20   2 
1  1 
  y    20  0  10   10    1
  
10 10
 z   4  0  6   10   1 
Hence, x = 2, y = − 1 and z = 1.

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26. Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method,
2x + 3y +3 z = 5
x – 2y + z = – 4
3x – y – 2z = 3
Ans:
The given system can be written as AX = B, where
2 3 3  x 5
A   1 2 1  , X   y  and B   4 
 3 1 2   z   3 
2 3 3
Here,| A | 1 2 1 = 2(4 + 1) − 3 (− 2 − 3) + 3 (− 1 + 6)
3 1 2
= 10 + 15 + 15 = 40 ≠ 0
Thus, A is non-singular. Therefore, its inverse exists. Therefore, the given system is consistent
and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B
Cofactors of A are
A11 = 4 + 1 = 5,
A12 = − (− 2 − 3) = 5,
A13 = (− 1 + 6) = 5,
A21 = − (− 6 + 3) = 3,
A22 = (− 4 − 9) = − 13,
A23 = − (− 2 − 9) = 11,
A31 = 3 + 6 = 9,
A32 = − (2 − 3) = 1,
A33 = − 4 − 3 = − 7
T
5 5 5 5 3 9
adj ( A)   3 13 11   5 13 1 
  
9 1 7  5 11 7 
5 3 9
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)  5 13 1 
| A| 40 
5 11 7 
x 5 3 9  5 
  1 
1
Now, X  A B   y   5 13 1   4 
40 
 z  5 11 7   3 
x  25  12  27   40   1 
  1   1 
  y   25  52  3    80    2 
40 40
 z   25  44  21  40  1
Hence, x = 1, y = 2 and z = − 1.

27. Solve system of linear equations, using matrix method,

x – y + 2z = 7
3x + 4y – 5z = – 5
2x – y + 3z = 12
Ans:
The given system can be written as AX = B, where

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  1 1 2   x 7
A   3 4 5 , X   y  and B   5
   
 2 1 3   z  12 
1 1 2
Here,| A | 3 4 5 = 1(12 − 5) − (− 1) (9 + 10) + 2 (− 3 − 8)
2 1 3
= 7 + 19 − 22 = 4 ≠ 0
Thus, A is non-singular. Therefore, its inverse exists.
Therefore, the given system is consistent and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B
Cofactors of A are
A11 = 12 − 5 = 7,
A12 = − (9 + 10) = − 19,
A13 = − 3 − 8 = − 11,
A21 = − (− 3 + 2) = 1,
A22 = 3 − 4 = − 1,
A23 = − (− 1 + 2) = − 1,
A31 = 5 − 8 = − 3,
A32 = − (− 5 − 6) = 11,
A33 = 4 + 3 = 7
T
 7 19 11  7 1 3
adj ( A)   1 1 1    19 1 11 
  
 3 11 7   11 1 7 
 7 13
1 1
A 1
(adjA)   19 1 11 
| A| 4
 11 1 7 
x  7 1 3  5 
  1
1
Now, X  A B   y    19 1 11   4 
4
 z   111 7   3 
x  49  5  36   8  2
  1  1   
  y    133  5  132    4   1 
4 4
 z   77  5  84  12   3 
Hence, x = 2, y = 1 and z = 3.
 2 3 5 
28. If A =  3 2 4  find A–1. Using A–1,Solve system of linear equations:
 1 1 2 
2x – 3y + 5z = 11
3x + 2y – 4z = – 5
x + y – 2z = – 3
Ans:
The given system can be written as AX = B, where
 2 3 5   x  11 
A   3 2 4  , X   y  and B   5
   
 1 1 2   z   3

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 2 3 5
Here,| A | 3 2 4 = 2 (− 4 + 4) − (− 3) (−6 + 4) + 5 (3 − 2)
1 1 2
=0−6+5=−1≠0
Thus, A is non-singular. Therefore, its inverse exists.
Therefore, the given system is consistent and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B
Cofactors of A are
A11 = − 4 + 4 = 0,
A12 = − (− 6 + 4) = 2,
A13 = 3 − 2 = 1,
A21 = − (6 − 5) = −1,
A22 = − 4 − 5 = − 9,
A23 = − (2 + 3) = − 5,
A31 = (12 − 10) = 2,
A32 = − (− 8 − 15) = 23,
A33 = 4 + 9 = 13
T
0 2 1 0 1 2 
adj ( A)   1 9 5   2
  9 23
 2 23 13   1 5 13 
 0 1 2   0 1 2 
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)  2 9 23   2 9 23
| A| 1 
 1 5 13   1 5 13
 x   0 1 2   11 
Now, X  A B   y    2 9 23  5
1

 z   1 5 13  3
 x   0  5  6  1 
  y    22  45  69    2 
 z   11  25  39   3 
Hence, x = 1, y = 2 and z = 3.

29. 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.
Ans:
Let the prices (per kg) of onion, wheat and rice be Rs. x, Rs. y and Rs. z, respectively then
4x + 3y + 2z = 60, 2x + 4y + 6z = 90, 6x + 2y + 3z = 70
This system of equations can be written as AX = B, where
4 3 2  x 60 
A   2 4 6  , X   y  and B  90 
   
 6 2 3   z  70 
4 3 2
Here,| A | 2 4 6 = 4(12 − 12) − 3(6 − 36) + 2(4 − 24)
6 2 3
= 0 + 90 − 40 = 50 ≠ 0
Thus, A is non-singular. Therefore, its inverse exists. Therefore, the given system is consistent and
has a unique solution given by X = A−1B
Cofactors of A are,
Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGT(Maths) Page - 18 -
 A11 = 12 − 12 = 0,
A12 = − (6 − 36) = 30,
A13 = 4 − 24 = − 20,
A21 = − (9 − 4) = − 5,
A22 = 12 − 12 = 0,
A23 = − (8 − 18) = 10,
A31 = (18 − 8) = 10,
A32 = − (24 − 4) = − 20,
A33 = 16 − 6 = 10
T
 0 30 20   0 5 10 

adj ( A)   5 0 10    30
 0 20 
10 20 10   20 10 10 
 0 5 10 
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)  30 0 20
| A| 50 
 20 10 10 
x  0 5 10   60 
  1 
1
Now, X  A B   y    30 0 20   90 
50
 z   20 10 10   70 
x  0  450  700   250  5
  1   1 
  y   1800  0  1400    400   8 
50 50
 z   1200  900  700   400  8 
x = 5, y = 8 and z = 8.
Hence, price of onion per kg is Rs. 5, price of wheat per kg is Rs. 8 and that of rice per kg is Rs. 8.

a a2 bc 1 a2 a3
30. Without expanding the determinant, prove that b b 2 ca  1 b 2 b3
c c2 ab 1 c2 c3
Ans:
a a2 bc
2
LHS  b b ca
c c2 ab
Applying R1  aR1 , R2  bR2 and R3  cR3 , we get
a2 a3 abc
1 2 3
 b b abc
abc 2
c c3 abc
a2 a3 1
abc 2
 b b3 1 [Taking out factor abc from C3]
abc 2
c c3 1
1 a2 a3
 (1) 2 1 b 2 b3 (using C1 ↔ C3 and C2 ↔ C3 )
1 c2 c3

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 1 a2 a3
 1 b2 b 3  RHS
1 c2 c3
bc ca ab
31. If a, b and c are real numbers, and   c  a a  b b  c  0 . Show that either a + b + c = 0 or
ab bc ca
a = b = c.
Ans:
bc ca a b
  ca ab bc
ab bc ca
2(a  b  c) c  a a  b
 2(a  b  c) a  b b  c (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 )
2(a  b  c) b  c c  a
1 ca a b
 2(a  b  c) 1 a  b b  c [take out 2(a  b  c) common from C1].
1 bc ca
1 ca ab
 2(a  b  c) 0 b  c c  a (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
0 b a c b
Expanding along C1, we get
bc ca
 2(a  b  c)
ba cb
 2(a  b  c)  (b  c)(c  b)  (c  a )(b  a ) 
 2(a  b  c) bc  b 2  c 2  bc  (bc  ac  ab  a 2 ) 
 2(a  b  c) bc  b 2  c 2  bc  bc  ac  ab  a 2 
 2(a  b  c)  ab  bc  ac  a 2  b 2  c 2 
It is given that Δ= 0,
2(a  b  c)  ab  bc  ac  a 2  b 2  c 2   0
 Either a  b  c  0 or ab  bc  ac  a 2  b 2  c 2  0
 ab  bc  ac  a 2  b 2  c 2  0
 2ab  2bc  2ac  2a 2  2b 2  2c 2  0
 2a 2  2b 2  2c 2  2ab  2bc  2ac  0
 a 2  b 2  2ab  b 2  c 2  2bc  c 2  a 2  2ac  0
 (a  b)2  (b  c) 2  (c  a )2  0
 (a  b)2  (b  c)2  (c  a )2  0 [since square of any real number is never negative]
 (a  b)  (b  c )  (c  a )  0
 a  b, b  c, c  a
abc

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 a2 bc ac  c 2
32. Prove that a 2  ab b2 ac  4a 2b 2c 2
ab b 2 bc c2
Ans:
a2 bc ac  c 2
LHS  a 2  ab b2 ac
ab b 2 bc c2
Taking out a from C1, b from C2 and c from C3, we get
a b ac
 abc a  b b a
b bc c
0 c ac
 abc 2b b a [Using C1  C1+ C2 – C3]
2b b  c c
0 c ac
 abc 0 c ac [Using R2  R2 – R3]
2b b  c c
Expanding along C1,we get
= (abc) [ (2 b) { c(a − c) + c (a + c) } ]
= 2 (ab2c) (2ac) = 4 a2b2c2 = RHS.

 2  
33. Using properties of determinants, prove that   2     (   )(   )(   )(     )
 2 
Ans:
 2  
LHS    2   
 2  
 2    
   2     (using C3 → C3 + C1)
  2    
 2 1
 (     )   2 1 (Taking out (α + β + γ) common from C1)
 2 1
 2 1
2 2
 (     )       0 (Using R2 → R2 – R1 and R3 → R3 – R1)
2 2
    0
Expanding along C3, we get
= (α + β + γ) [(β − α)(γ2 −α2 ) −(γ −α)(β2 − α2 )]
= (α + β + γ) [(β − α)(γ −α)(γ + α) −(γ − α)(β − α)(β + α)]
= (α + β + γ) (β − α)(γ −α)[γ + α −β − α]
= (α + β + γ) (β − α)(γ −α)(γ −β)
= (α + β + γ) (α − β)(β − γ)(γ −α) = RHS
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 3a a  b a  c
34. Using properties of determinants, prove that b  a 3b b  c  3(a  b  c)(ab  bc  ca)
c  a c  b 3c
Ans:
3a a  b a  c
LHS  b  a 3b b  c
c  a c  b 3c
a  b  c a  b a  c
 abc 3b b  c (using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3)
a  b  c c  b 3c
1 a  b a  c
 ( a  b  c) 1 3b b  c (Taking out (a + b + c) common from C1)
1 c  b 3c
Now applying R2 → R2 – R1, R3 → R3 – R1, we get
1 a  b a  c
 (a  b  c ) 0 2b  a a  b
0 ac 2c  a
Expanding along C1, we get
= (a + b + c)[(2b + a) (2c + a) − (a − b) (a − c)]
= (a + b + c)[4bc + 2ab + 2ac + a − a + ac + ba − bc] 2 2
= (a + b + c) (3ab + 3bc + 3ac) = 3(a + b + c)(ab + bc + ca) = RHS

35. Solve the system of equations:

2 3 10
  4
x y z
4 6 5
  1
x y z
6 9 20
  2
x y z
Ans:
1 1 1
Let  p,  q and  r , then the given equations become
x y z
2p + 3q + 10r = 4, 4p − 6q + 5r = 1, 6p + 9q − 20r = 2
This system can be written as AX = B, where
 2 3 10   p 4
A   4 6 5  , X   q  and B  1 
   
 6 9 20   r   2 
2 3 10
Here,| A | 4 6 5  2(120  45)  3( 80  30)  10(36  36)
6 9 20
= 150 + 330 + 720 = 1200 ≠ 0
Thus, A is non-singular. Therefore, its inverse exists.
Therefore, the above system is consistent and has a unique solution given by X = A−1B
Cofactors of A are
A11 = 120 − 45 = 75,

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 A12 = − ( − 80 − 30) = 110,
A13 = (36 + 36) = 72,
A21 = − ( − 60 − 90) = 150,
A22 = ( − 40 − 60) = − 100,
A23 = − (18 − 18) = 0,
A31 = 15 + 60 = 75,
A32 = − (10 − 40) = 30,
A33 = − 12 − 12 = − 24
T
 75 110 72   75 150 75 
adj ( A)  150 100 0   110 100 30 
  
 75 30 24   72 0 24 
 75 150 75 
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)   110 100 30 
| A| 1200
 72 0 24 
x  75 150 75   4 
  1 
1
X  A B   y   110 100 30   1 
1200
 z   72 0 24   2 
1
 
x 300  150  150   600   2 
1  1  1
  y    440  100  60    400    
1200 1200  3
 z   288  0  48   240   
1
 5 
1 1 1
 p  ,q  ,r 
2 3 5
1 1 1 1 1 1
  ,  , 
x 2 y 3 z 5
 x = 2, y = 3 and z = 5.
x2 x  3 x  2a
36. If a, b, c, are in A.P, then find the determinant of x  3 x  4 x  2b
x4 x5 x  2c
Ans:
x2 x3 x  2a
Let A  x  3 x  4 x  2b
x4 x5 x  2c
x2 x3 x  2a
1
 0 0 2(2b  a  c) (using R2 → 2R2 − R1 − R3)
2
x4 x5 x  2c
But a,b, c are in AP. Using 2b = a + c, we get
x  2 x  3 x  2a
1
A 0 0 0  0 [Since, all elements of R2 are zero]
2
x  4 x  5 x  2c

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  2 3
37. Show that the matrix A    satisfies the equation A2 – 4A + I = O, where I is 2 × 2
1 2
identity matrix and O is 2 × 2 zero matrix. Using this equation, find A–1.
Ans:
2 3
Given that A   
1 2
 2 3   2 3  7 12 
A2  AA     
1 2  1 2   4 7 
 7 12  2 3 1 0
Hence, A2  4 A  I     4 1 2    0 1 
4 7     
 7 12   8 12   1 0   7  8  1 12  12  0 0 0
 
  
  
     O
 4 7   4 8  0 1   4  4  0 7  8  1   0 0 
Now, A2  4 A  I  O
 AA  4 A   I
 AA( A1 )  4 AA1   IA1 (Post multiplying by A–1 because |A| ≠ 0)
 A( AA1 )  4 I   A1
 AI  4 I   A1
1 0  2 3   4  2 0  3   2 3
 A1  4 I  A  4     
 0 1   1 2   0  1 4  2   1 2 
 2 3
 A1   
 1 2 
38. Solve the following system of equations by matrix method.
3x – 2y + 3z = 8
2x + y – z = 1
4x – 3y + 2z = 4
Ans:
The system of equation can be written as AX = B, where
 3 2 3  x 8 
A   2 1 1 , X   y  and B   1 
   
 4 3 2   z   4 
3 2 3
Here,| A | 2 1 1
4 3 2
= 3 (2 – 3) + 2(4 + 4) + 3 (– 6 – 4) = – 17 ≠ 0
Hence, A is nonsingular and so its inverse exists. Now
A11 = –1, A12 = – 8, A13 = –10
A21 = –5, A22 = – 6, A23 = 1
A31 = –1, A32 = 9, A33 = 7
T
 1 8 10   1 5 1
adj ( A)   5 6 1    8 6 9 
 
 1 9 7   10 1 7 
 1 5 1
1 1 
A 1
(adjA)    8 6 9 
| A| 17
 10 1 7 

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 x  1 5 1 8 
1 
X  A B   y     8 6 9  1 
1  
17
 z   10 1 7   4 
x  17  1 
1 
  y     34    2 
 
17
 z   51  3 
Hence x = 1, y = 2 and z = 3.

( y  z)2 xy zx
2
39. Show that   xy ( x  z) yz  2 xyz ( x  y  z )3
xz yz ( x  y)2
Ans:
( y  z )2 xy zx
2
Given that   xy ( x  z) yz
xz yz ( x  y )2
Applying R1 →xR1, R2 → yR2 ,R3 → zR3 to Δ and dividing by xyz, we get
x( y  z ) 2 x2 y x2 z
1
 xy 2 y( x  z ) 2 y2 z
xyz
xz 2 yz 2 z ( x  y)2
Taking common factors x, y, z from C1, C2 and C3 respectively, we get
( y  z )2 x2 x2
xyz
 y2 ( x  z)2 y2
xyz
z2 z2 ( x  y )2
Applying C2 → C2– C1, C3 → C3– C1, we have
( y  z )2 x 2  ( y  z )2 x 2  ( y  z )2
 y2 ( x  z )2  y 2 0
z2 0 ( x  y )2  z 2
Taking common factor (x + y + z) from C2 and C3, we have
( y  z )2 x  ( y  z) x  ( y  z )
  ( x  y  z )2 y2 ( x  z)  y 0
z2 0 ( x  y)  z
Applying R1 → R1 – (R2 + R3), we have
2 yz 2 z 2 y
  ( x  y  z )2 y 2 x  y  z 0
2
z 0 x yz
1 1
Applying C2 → (C2 + C1) and C3 → C3 + C1, we get
y z

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 2 yz 0 0
y2
  ( x  y  z )2 y 2 x z
z
2 z2
z x y
y
Finally expanding along R1, we have
Δ = (x + y + z)2 (2yz) [(x + z) (x + y) – yz] = (x + y + z)2 (2yz) (x2 + xy + xz)
= (x + y + z)3 (2xyz)

 1 1 2   2 0 1 
40. Use product  0 2 3  9 2 3 to solve the system of equations
 3 2 4   6 1 2 
x – y + 2z = 1
2y – 3z = 1
3x – 2y + 4z = 2
Ans:
 1 1 2   2 0 1 
Consider the product  0 2 3  9 2 3
 3 2 4   6 1 2 
 2  9  12 0  2  2 1  3  4   1 0 0 
  0  18  18 0  4  3 0  6  6    0 1 0 
 6  18  24 0  4  4 3  6  8   0 0 1 
1
1 1 2   2 0 1 
Hence,  0 2 3   9 2 3
 
 3 2 4   6 1 2 
Now, given system of equations can be written, in matrix form, as follows
 1 1 2   x   1 
 0 2 3  y    1 
    
 3 2 4   z   2 
1
 x  1 1 2   1   2 0 1   1 
  y   0 2 3  1    9 2 3  1 
    
 z   3 2 4   2  6 1 2   2 
 2  0  2  0 
  9  2  6   5 
 6  1  4   3
Hence x = 0, y = 5 and z = 3

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