DETERMINANTS OF A SQUARE MATRIX

1
AND AREA OF A TRIANGLE
| TOPIC 1 |
DETERMINANT OF A SQUARE MATRIX OF DIFFERENT
ORDERS
Now, we know that a system of algebraic equations can be expressed
in the form of matrices. In order to determine whether this system of
algebraic equations has a unique solution or not, a number, which
is inferred from the equations is calculated. This number is called a
determinant. Determinants have wide applications in the fields of
engineering, science, economics, social science, etc. In this chapter, we
will study till third order determinants.
Let A be any square matrix. We can associate a unique expression or
number (real or complex) with this square matrix, called determinant of
A. It is denoted by det (A) or |A|.
Determinant of a Square Matrix of Order 1
Let, A = [a11] be a square matrix of order 1. Then we define |A| = a11.
Determinant of a Square Matrix of Order 2
a a 
Let, A =  11 12  be a square matrix of order 2.
a21 a22 
Then we define |A| as,
a11 a12
|A| = a = a11a22 – a12a21
21 a22

Example 1.1: Evaluate the following determinants:

2 4
(A) − 5 − 1
cos θ − sin θ
(B)
sin θ cos θ
x2 − x + 1 x − 1
(C)
x +1 x +1 [NCERT]

2 4
Ans. (A) − 5 − 1 = 2(– 1) – 4 (– 5)

= – 2 + 20 = 18

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 cos θ − sin θ
(B) sin θ cos θ = cos q.cos q – (– sin q) sin q

= cos2 q + sin2 q = 1
x2 − x + 1 x − 1
(C) x +1 x +1
= (x2 – x + 1)(x + 1) – (x – 1)(x + 1)
= (x + 1)(x2 – x + 1 – x + 1)
= (x + 1)(x2 – 2x + 2), or x3 – x2 + 2
1 2
Example 1.2: A =   , then show that |2A| = 4|A|. [NCERT]
4 2
1 2 
Ans. Here, A=  
4 2
1 2 2 4 
2A = 2  = 
4 2 8 4 
2 4
So, |2A| =
8 4
= (2)(4) – (4)(8)
= 8 – 32 = –24
1 2
And, 4
4|A| = 4 2

= 4[(1)(2) – (2)(4)]
= 4(2 – 8)
= –24
Thus, |2A| = 4|A|
2 3 x 3
Example 1.3: If 4 5 = 2 x 5 , then find the value of x. [NCERT]

2 3 x 3
Ans. Given: = ,
4 5 2x 5
\ (2)(5) – (3)(4) = (x)(5) – (3)(2x)
⇒ 10 – 12 = 5x – 6x
⇒ x=2

Determinants 3
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Determinant of a Square Matrix of Order 3
a a12 a13 
 11 
Let, A = a21 a22 a23  be a square matrix of order 3.
a 
 31 a32 a33 
Then we define |A| as,
a11 a12 a13
|A| = a21 a22 a23
a31 a32 a33

1+1 a22 a23 a21 a23 a21 a22

= a11 ( − 1) + a12 ( − 1)1 + 2 + a13 ( − 1)1 + 3
a32 a33 a31 a33 a31 a32

a22 a23 a21 a23 a21 a22

= a11 − a12 + a 13
a32 a33 a31 a33 a31 a32

= a11(a22a33 – a23a32) – a12 (a21a33 – a23a31) + a13(a21a32 – a22a31)

Caution
 |A| is read as ‘determinant of A’ and not ‘modulus of A’.
 Only square matrices have determinants. Non-square matrices do not have
determinants.
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4 Mathematics Class XII

 OBJECTIVE Type Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

[ 1 mark each ]
1. Given that A is a non-singular matrix of order 3, such that
A2 = 2A, then value of |2A| is:
(a) 4 (b) 8
(c) 64 (d) 16 [CBSE Term-1 SQP 2021]
Ans. (c) 64
Explanation:
A2 = 2A
⇒ |A2| = |2A|
⇒ |A2| = 23|A|
as |kA| = kn |A| for a matrix of order n
⇒ either |A| =0 or |A| = 8
But A is non-singular matrix
\ |A| = 82 = 64
[CBSE Marking Scheme Term-1 SQP 2021]
A2 = 2A
⇒ |A2| = |2A|
⇒ |A2| = 23|A|
\ |kA|= kn |A| for a matrix of order n
⇒ |A2| – 8|A| = 0
⇒ |A|(|A|–8) = 0
⇒ either |A|= 0 or |A| = 8
But, A is non-singular matrix
\ |A| = 8
Now, |2A| = 23|A|
= 8 × 8
= 64
2. The area of a triangle with vertices A, B, C is given by.
  1  
(a) AB × AC |
| (b) | AB × AC |
2
1   1  
(c) | AC × AB | (d) | AC × AB |
4 8 [CBSE SQP 2022]

Determinants 5
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 1  
Ans. (b) | AB × AC |
2
Explanation: The area of the parallelogram with adjacent sides
 
AB and AC = | AB × AC | . Hence, the area of the triangle with
1  
vertices A, B, C = | AB × AC | .
2
[CBSE Marking Scheme SQP 2022]

VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)

[ 1 mark each ]
x sin θ cos θ
3. If − sin θ −x 1 = 8, write the value of x. [CBSE 2016]
cos θ 1 x
x sin θ cos θ
Ans. Given: − sin θ −x 1 =8
cos θ 1 x
On expanding along C1, we get
x(– x2 – 1) – sin q (– x sin q – cos q) + cos q(– sin q + x cos q) = 8
⇒ – x3 – x + x(sin2 q + cos2 q) – sin q cos q + cos q sin q = 8
⇒ – x3 – x + x(1) = 8
⇒ x3 = – 8
\ x= – 2 is only the real value of x.

6 Mathematics Class XII

 MINORS AND COFACTORS 2
| TOPIC 1 |
MINOR
Minor of an element aij of a determinant is the determinant obtained by
deleting its ith row and jth column in which element aij lies. The minor of
aij is denoted by Mij.
Illustration: To find the minor of element (–2) in the determinant, ∆ =
2 5 −1
5 0 − 2 , we need to delete 2nd row and 3rd column in which (–2)
1 −1 0
lies.
2 5
Thus, M23 = , or M23 = (2)(–1) – (1)(5) = – 7 Similarly, to find the minor
1 −1
2 5 −1
of element (1) in the determinant, ∆ = 5 0 − 2 , we need to delete 3rd
1 −1 0
row and 1st column in which (1) lies.
5 −1
Thus, M31= 0 − 2

or M31 = (5)(–2) – (0)(–1) = –10

| TOPIC 2 |
COFACTOR
Cofactor of an element aij, denoted by Aij, is defined by,
Aij = (–1)i + j Mij
where, Mij is the minor of aij.
Illustration: The cofactor of element (– 2) in the determinant
2 5 −1
∆ = 5 0 − 2 is given by,
1 −1 0

Determinants 7
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 A23 = (–1)2 + 3M23
2 5
i.e., A23 = − = – (–7) = 7
1 −1
2 5 −1
Similarly, the cofactor of element (1) in the determinant ∆ = 5 0 − 2 ,
1 −1 0
is given by
A31 = (–1)3 + 1M31
5 −1
i.e., A23 = 0 − 2 = − 10

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8 Mathematics Class XII

 OBJECTIVE Type Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

[ 1 mark each ]
1. Given that A = [aij] is a square matrix of order 3 × 3 and |A| = –7,
3
then the value of ∑ i = 1 ai 2 A i 2 , where Aij denotes the cofactor
of element aij is:
(a) 7 (b) – 7
(c) 0 (d) 49 [CBSE Term-1 SQP 2021]
Ans. (b) – 7
Explanation:
|A| = – 7
3
∴ ∑ i =1=
ai2 Ai2 a12 A12 + a22 A22

|A| = – 7
[CBSE Marking Scheme Term-1 SQP 2021]
3
∑ i =1 ai2Ai2, =

= Determinant of matrix A expanded along C2
= |A|
= –7
 3 1
A =  
2. For – 1 2 , then 14A–1 is given by:
2 –1  4 –2 
(a) 14   (b)  
1 3 2 6

2 –1   –3 –1 
(c) 2   (d) 2   [CBSE Term-1 SQP 2021]
1 –3  1 –2 

4 −2 
Ans. (b) 2

6 



Determinants 9
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 Explanation:

2 −2 

|A| = 7, adj A = 1 
 3 

4 −2 
\ 14A –1
= 2 6 


[CBSE Marking Scheme Term-1 SQP 2021]
We have
 3 1
A =  −1 2 
 
∴ |A| = 6 – (–1) = 7
–1
∴ A exist.
 2 −1 
∴ adj. A= 1 3 

 
1
∴ A–1 = | A | adj.A

1 2 −1 
= 7 1 3



1 2 −1 
So, 14A –1
= 14 × 7  1 3


2 −1   4 −2 
2 =  
=
1 3  2 6 

VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)

[ 1 mark each ]
 5 6 − 3
3. If A =  − 4 3 2  , then write the cofactor of the element
 − 4 −7 3 
a21 of its 2nd row. [CBSE 2015]

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  5 6 −3
Ans. We have A =  − 4 3 2 
 − 4 −7 3 

2+1 6 −3
Now, cofactors of a21 = ( − 1) −7 3
= –1(18 – 21)
=3

Determinants 11
 APPLICATIONS OF DETERMINANTS
3
AND MATRICES

| TOPIC 1 |
CONSISTENT/INCONSISTENT SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS
In this section, we shall discuss applications of determinants and matrices
for solving a system of linear equations in two or three variables and for
checking the consistency of the system of linear equations.
Consistent System
A system of linear equations is said to be consistent if its solution (one
or more) exists,
Inconsistent System
A system of linear equations is said to be inconsistent, if its solution does
not exist.
Caution
 Here, we shall restrict ourselves to the system of linear equations having unique
solutions only.
| TOPIC 2 |
SOLUTION OF SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS USING
INVERSE OF A MATRIX
Consider a system of linear equations
a1x + b1y + c1z = d1
a2x + b2y + c2z = d2
a3x + b3y + c3z = d3
This system of linear equations can be expressed by a single matrix
equation as,
 a1 b1 c1   x   d1 
a b c   y  d 
 2 2 2    =  2
 3 3 3   z 
a b c d3 
or, AX = B

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  a1 b1 c1  x  d1 
   y  and B = d 
where, A = a2 b2 c2  , X =    2
a3 b3 c3   z  d3 
{Here, A is called the coefficient matrix.}
Case I: If |A| ≠ 0, i.e., if A is a non-singular matrix, then A– 1 exists.
From AX = B
We have, A (AX) = A– 1B {Pre-multiplying by A– 1}
–1

⇒ (A– 1A)X = A– 1B
⇒ I X = A– 1B
⇒ X = A– 1B
Thus, the system AX = B has a unique solution given by X = A– 1B.
Caution
 This matrix equation provides unique solution for the given system of linear
equations as inverse of a matrix is unique. This method of solving system of linear
equations is known as Matrix Method.
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Determinants 13
 OBJECTIVE Type Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
[ 1 mark each ]
1. The system of linear equations 5x + ky = 5, 3x + 3y = 5; will be
consistent if:
(a) k ≠ – 3 (b) k = – 5
(c) k = 5 (d) k ≠ 5 [CBSE Term-1 2021]
Ans. (d) k ≠ 5
Explanation:
5 k  x 5 
Here, A=  ,X=  ,B=  
3 3  y 5 
For consistent system, |A| ≠ 0
5 k
\ |A| = ≠0
3 3
⇒ 15 – 3k ≠ 0
⇒ – 3k ≠ – 15
⇒ k≠5

CASE BASED Questions (CBQs)

[ 4 & 5 marks ]
Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow:
2. Manjit wants to donate a rectangular plot of land for a school in his
village. When he was asked to give dimensions of the plot, he told
that if its length is decreased by 50 m and breadth is increased by
50 m, then its area will remain same, but if length is decreased by
10 m and breadth is decreased by 20 m, then its area will decrease
by 5300 m2.

(A) Form the equations of given situation in matrix form.

(B) Find the value of length and breadth of the rectangular field

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 (C) Using matrix method, find the area of rectangular field.
[CBSE Question Bank 2022]
Ans. (A) According to the question
(x – 50) (y + 50) = xy
⇒ xy + 50x – 50y – 2500 = xy
or x – y = 50 ...(i)
Also, (x – 10) (y – 20) = xy – 5300
⇒ xy – 20x – 10y + 200 = xy – 5300
⇒ – 20x – 10y = – 5500
or 2x + y = 550 ....(ii)
Thus, system of equation (i) and (ii) in matrix from is
1 −1  x  50 
    =  
2 1  y  550
(B) From part (A), we have
1 −1  x  50 
    =  
2 1  y  550

−1
x 1 −1 50 
  =    
⇒ y 2 1 550
1  1 1 50 
=    
1 + 2  − 2 1 550

1  50 + 550
=  
3  − 100 + 550

1 600 200
=    
3  450 = 150

\ x = 200, y = 150
(C) From (B)
Length of rectangular field, x = 200 m and breadth of
rectangular field, y = 150 m.
\ Area of field = xy
= 200 × 150
= 30,000 m2

Determinants 15
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 TOPPER’S CORNER

VERY SHORT ANSWER Type Questions (VSA)

[ 1 mark each ]
1. Two schools A and B want to award their selected students on
the values of sincerity, truthfulness and helpfulness. The school
A wants to award ` x each, ` y each and ` z each for the three
reswpective values to 3, 2 and 1 students respectively with a
total award money of ` 1,600. School B wants to spend ` 2,300
to award its 4, 1 and 3 students on the respective values (by
giving the same award money to the three values as before).
If the total amount of award for one prize on each value is
` 900, using matrices, find the award money for each value.
Apart from these three values, suggest one more value which
should be considered for award.
Ans.

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 Determinants 17
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 t [CBSE Topper 2014]

18 Mathematics Class XII

 I relied on NCERT as the Bible. But I also
“
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”
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