Matrices & Determinants
Determinant of parameter matrix
nta_pyq_2025_apr
Grade 12

Question:

Let $I$ be the identity matrix of order $3 \times 3$ and for the matrix $A = \begin{bmatrix} \lambda & 2 & 3 \\ 4 & 5 & 6 \\ 7 & -1 & 2 \end{bmatrix}$, $|A| = -1$. Let $B$ be the inverse of the matrix $\text{adj}(A \cdot \text{adj}(A))$. Then $|\lambda B + I|$ is equal to ______

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Apply the matrix property for determinant of parameter matrix and reduce it to determinant or parameter equations.
$\begin{vmatrix} \lambda & 2 & 3 \\ 4 & 5 & 6 \\ 7 & -1 & 2 \end{vmatrix} = -1$ $|A| = \lambda(16) - 2(-34) + 3(-39) = -1$ $16\lambda - 48 = -1$ $\lambda = 3$ Let $C = A \cdot \text{adj}(A)$ $AC = A \cdot \text{adj}(A) = |A| \cdot I = -I$ $C = -A^{-1}$ Now $B = [\text{adj}(A \cdot \text{adj}(A))]^{-1} = B = \text{adj}(A)$ Now $\lambda B + I = 3B + I$ Let $P = 3B + I$ $P = 3\text{adj}(A) + I$ $AP = 3A\text{adj}(A) + A$ $AP = 3|A| \cdot I + A$ $AP = -3I + A$ $|AP| = |A - 3I|$ $|A| \cdot |P| = \begin{vmatrix} 0 & 2 & 3 \\ 4 & 2 & 6 \\ 7 & -1 & -1 \end{vmatrix} = 38$ $(-1) \cdot |P| = 38$ $|P| = -38$
Correct Answer: 38

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