MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

DETERMINANTS
Determinant of order two :

a b
The representation is defined as the determinant of order two. The numbers a, b, c,
c d
d are called elements of the determinant.

a b
In determinant , the elements a, b form first row and the elements c, d form second
c d
row. Similarly the elements a, c from first column and the elements b, d form second column.

a b
The determinant is associated with the number ad – bc. The number ad – bc is
c d

a b
called the value of the determinant, i.e. = ad – bc.
c d

a b
Note : Geometrically, determinant is special number such that its magnitude
c d
represents the area of parallelogram.

5 1 2  3i 1 2 3i
1. Evaluate : i. ii. iii. where i = 1
3/2 4 2 2  3i 4 7

Solution :

5 1 3 
i. = 5  4 –   1
3/2 4  2 

3 43
= 20 + =
2 2

2  3i 1
ii. = (2 + 3i) (2 – 3i) – 1  2
2 2  3i

= 4 + 9 – 2 = 11

2 3i
iii. = 2  7 – 3i  4
4 7

= 14 – 12 i

Determinants : Theory 64
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

3x 7
2. If = 32, find x
x x 1

Solution :

3x 7
Given = 32
x x 1

 3x (x + 1) – 7x = 32

 3x 2 – 4x – 32 = 0

 3x 2 – 12x + 8x – 32 = 0

 3x(x – 4) + 8 (x – 4) = 0

 (3x + 8) (x – 4) = 0

 (3x + 8) (x – 4) = 0

8
 x = ,x=4
3
3. Find the values of the following determinant :

2i  3i 1 3 i i2
i. 3 5 ii. , where i = 1
i  2i  i  2 1  3i

Ans : i. 7 ii. 5
4. Show that :

cos  cos  sec   tan 

i. = – sin ( – ) ii. =1
sin  sin   tan  sec 

5. Find x, if :

2 x x 3
i. =0 ii. =0
4 3 1 x  2

3
Ans : i. ii. –3, 1
2
6. Prove that :

8 5 14 4 x y x 0
i. 2 = ii. 4 = 3
2 6 2 6 3x 0 5x  4y

Determinants : Theory 65
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Determinant of order three :

A determinant of order 3 is a square arrangement of 9 quantities viz a 1, b 1, c 1, a 2, b 2, c 2, a 3,

b 3, c 3 arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns enclosed between two vertical bars.

a1 b1 c1
A determinant of order 3 is represented by a 2 b2 c 2 . . . (1)
a3 b3 c 3

The determinant of order three given by (1) is also associated with a number which is
b2 c 2 a2 c2 a2 b 2
called the value of the determinant, given by : a 1 b c – b 1 a c3 + c 1 a3 b3
3 3 3

a1 b1 c1
b2 c 2 a2 c2 a2 b 2
i.e. a 2 b2 c 2 = a1 b c – b1 a + c
3 3 3 c3 1 a
3 b3
a3 b3 c 3

= a 1 (b 2c 3 – b 3c 2) – b 1(a 2c 3 – a 3c 2) + c 1(a 2b 3 – a 3b 2)
This is also known as the expansion of the third order determinant.

3 2 1
1 2 3
7. Expand
3 3 1

Solution :

3 2 1
1 2 3 2 3 1 3 1 2
= 3 –2 +1
3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3

= 3 (2 – 9) – 2 (1 – 9) + 1 (3 – 6)

= 3  (– 7) – 2  ( – 8) + 1  (– 3)

= – 21 + 16 – 3

= –8

Determinants : Theory 66
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

x 3 3
8. If 3 3 x = 0, find x
2 3 3

Solution :

x 3 3
Given 3 3 x = 0
2 3 3

 x(9 – 3x) – 3 (9 – 2x) + 3 (9 – 6) = 0

 9x – 3x 2 – 27 + 6x + 9 = 0

 – 3x 2 + 15x – 18 = 0

 x 2 – 5x + 6 = 0

 (x – 3) (x – 2) = 0

 x = 3, x = 2

9. Expand the following determinants :

3 1  2 1 2 3 1 1 1
0 0 1 12 13 14 10 11 12
i. ii. iii.
3 5 0 33 34 35 100 101 102

2 1 2 0 1 5 0 a b
2 1 3 2 1 3 a 0 c
iv. v. vi.
5 4 9 3 1 4 b c 0

Ans : i. –12 ii. 0 iii. 0 iv. 3 v. –8 vi. 2abc

a h g
10. Prove that : h b f = abc + 2fgh – af 2 – bg 2 – ch 2
g f c

i  2i  1
11. Show that : 3 i i3  2 = 11i, where i = 1.
1 3 i

Determinants : Theory 67
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

sin  cos  1
12. Prove that :  cos  sin  1 = 1 – 2 sin .
1 1 1

a a a 3 3 3
13. Prove that : a b b = a(b – c) (a – b). Hence find the value of 3 5 5
a b c 3 5 7

2 1
x 1 x 1 2
14. Find x if : i. 1 3
4 = 0 ii. 2x 1  3 = 29
0 5 3 3 4 5

x 2 1 0 3 x
iii. 3 x 2 = 5 iv. x 1 3 1 = 0
1 3 1 4 1 5

Ans : i. 14/5 ii. –2 iii. – 6, 1 iv. –1, – 3

Minor and cofactor of elements of a determinant of order three :

a11 a12 a13

a 21 a22 a 23
Let  =
a31 a32 a33

Here a ij = element in i th row and j th column of .

The minor of a ij : It is defined as the value of the determinant obtained by eleminating the
i th row and j th column of .

We denote the minor of a ij by M ij

In case of the determinant ,

a 22 a 23
M 11 = minor of a 11 = a32 a33 = a 22a 33 – a 32–a 23

a 21 a 23
M 12 = minor of a 12 = a 31 a 33

a21 a 22
M 13 = minor of a 13 = a31 a32 , Similarly other minors can be determined.

Determinants : Theory 68
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Cofactor of a ij : It is defined as follows :

Cofactor of a ij = A ij = (–1) i + j. Minor of a ij i.e. A ij = (– 1) i + j . M ij

e.g. : Cofactor of a 11 = (–1) 1 + 1. Minor of a 11 = Minor of a 11

Cofactor of a 12 = (–1) 1 + 2. Minor of a 12 = – Minor of a 12

Cofactor of a 13 = (–1) 1 + 3. Minor of a 13 = Minor of a 13

3 4
15. Find the Minors and cofactors of the elements of the determinant .
2 3

Solution :

a11 a12 3 4
Here a21 a 22 = .
2 3

 Minor of a 11 = |– 3| = –3

 Cofactor of a 11 = (– 1) 1+1 . Minor of a 11

= –3

 Minor of a 12 = | 2 |= 2

 Cofactor of a 12 = (– 1) 1 + 2 . Minor of a 12

= –1  2 = –2

Minor of a 21 = |– 4| = –4

 Cofactor of a 21 = (– 1) 2 + 1 . Minor of a 21

= –1  (– 4) = 4

Minor of a 22 = | 3 |= 3

 Cofactor of a 22 = (– 1) 2 + 2 . Minor of a 22

= 3

Determinants : Theory 69
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

1 2 3
16. Find minors and cofactors of the elements of determinant 2 0 4
5 1 3

Solution :

a11 a12 a13 1 2 3

a a a 23 2 0 4
Here 21 22 =
a31 a32 a33 5 1 3

0 4
 Minor of a 11 = = 0+4 = 4
1 3

 Cofactor of a 11 = (– 1) 1 + 1 . Minor of a 11
= 1  4 = 4

2 4
Minor of a 12 = = – 6 – 20 = – 26
5 3

 Cofactor of a 12 = (– 1) 1 + 2 . Minor of a 12
= – 1  – 26 = 26

2 0
Minor of a 13 = = 2–0 = 2
5 1

 Cofactor of a 13 = (– 1) 1 + 3 . Minor of a 13
= 1  2 = 2

2 3
Minor of a 21 = = 6–3 = 3
1 3

 Cofactor of a 21 = (– 1) 2 + 1 . Minor of a 21
= –1  3 = –3

1 3
Minor of a 22 = = 3 + 15 = 18
5 3

 Cofactor of a 22 = (– 1) 2 + 2 . Minor of a 22
= 1  18 = 18

Determinants : Theory 70
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

1 2
Minor of a 23 = = –1 – 10 = –11
5 1

 Cofactor of a 23 = (– 1) 2 + 3 . Minor of a 23
= (–1)  (– 11) = 11

2 3
Minor of a 31 = = 8–0 = 8
0 4

 Cofactor of a 31 = (– 1) 3 + 1 . Minor of a 31
= 1  1 = 8

1 3
Minor of a 32 = = 4–6 = –2
2 4

 Cofactor of a 32 = (– 1) 3 + 2 . Minor of a 32
= (– 1)  (– 2) = 2

1 2
Minor of a 33 = = 0+4 = 4
2 0

 Cofactor of a 33 = (– 1) 3 + 3 . Minor of a 33
= 1  4 = 4
17. Find minor and cofactors of the elements of the following determinants :

1 0 3 1 2 3
2 4 i 2 3 4 2 2 1 4
i. ii. iii. iv.
3 5  3i  1 2 1 0 3 0 4

Ans :

i. M 11 = –5 , A 11 = –5 ii. M 11 = –1 , A 11 = –1

M 11 = 3 , A 12 = –3 M 12 = – 3i , A 12 = 3i

M 21 = –4 , A 21 = 4 M 21 = 2 , A 21 = –2

M 22 = 2 , A 22 = 2 M 22 = i , A 22 = i

Determinants : Theory 71
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

iii. M 11 = –2 , A 11 = –2 iv. M 11 = –4 , A 11 = –4

M 12 = 4 , A 12 = –4 M 12 = 20 , A 12 = – 20

M 13 = –5 , A 13 = –5 M 13 = 3 , A 13 = 3

M 21 = 3 , A 21 = –3 M 21 = –8 , A 21 = 8

M 22 = –6 , A 22 = –6 M 22 = 13 , A 23 = 13

M 23 = –1 , A 23 = 1 M 23 = 6 , A 23 = –6

M 31 = – 12, A 31 = –12 M 31 = 5 , A 32 = 5

M 32 = 7 , A 32 = –7 M 32 = 2 , A 32 = –2

M 33 = 4 , A 33 = 4 M 33 = 3 , A 33 = 3

2 1 3
18. Find minors and cofactors of elements of the determinant 4 0  2 and verify that:
1 3 4

i. a 11 A 31 + a 12 A 32 + a 13A 33 = 0

ii. a 11 A 12 + a 21 A 22 + a 31A 32 = 0

where a 11, a 12, a 13 are elements of first row, a 11, a 21, a 31 are elements of first column

Also A 31, A 32, A 33 are cofactors of a 31, a 32, a 33 respectively and A 12, A 22, A 32 are cofactors
of a 12, a 22, a 32 respectively.

Note :

By definition of expansion of determinant of third order

a11 a12 a13

a 22 a 23 a 21 a 23 a21 a 22
If  = a 21 a22 a 23 , then  = a – a 12 + a 13 a
1 a
11
32 a33 a 31 a 33 31 a32
a31 a32 a33

a 22 a 23 a 21 a 23 a21 a 22
Since minors of a 11, a 12, a 13 are a , , a31 a32 respectively..
32 a33 a 31 a 33

  = a 11(minor of a 11) – a 12 (minor of a 12) + a 13(minor of a 13)

  = a 11(Cofactor of a 11) + a 12 (Cofactor of a 12) + a 13(Cofactor of a 13)

  = a 11A 11 + a 12A 12 + a 13A 13

Determinants : Theory 72
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

The above is the expansion of the determinant along the first row and it is called row
expansion.

Remark :

The determinant  can similarly be expanded along any row or any column.

For example :

If we expand the determinant  along the i th row we have

 = a i1 (Cofactor of a i1) + a i2 (Cofactor of a i2) + a i3 (Cofactor of a i3)

Similarly the expansion of ‘’ along j th column is :

 = a 1j (Cofactor of a 1j) + a 2j (Cofactor of a 2j) + a 3j (Cofactor of a 3j)

 = a 1jA 1j + a 2jA 2j + a 3jA 3j

3 2 4
1 2 1
19. Expand the determinant  =
0 1 1

i. along third row ii. along second column

Solution :

i. along third row

 = 0(Cofactor of 0) + 1 (Cofactor 1) – 1(Cofactor of (–1))

2 4 3 4 3 2
= 0  (–1) 3+1 + 1  (–1) 3+2 – 1  (– 1) 3 + 3
2 1 1 1 1 2

= 0 – 1(3 – 4) – 1 (6 + 2)

= – 1  (–1) – 1  8

= 1–8

= –7

Determinants : Theory 73
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

ii. Along second column

 = – 2 (Cofactor of (–2)) + 2(Cofactor of 2) + 1 (Cofactor of 1)

1 1 3 4 3 4
= – 2  (– 1) 1 + 2 + 2  (–1) 2 + 2 + 1  (–1) 3 + 2
0 1 0 1 1 1

= (–2)  (–1) (– 1 – 0) + (2  1) (– 3 – 0) + (1  –1) (3 – 4)

= –2–6+1
= –8+1 = –7
20. Expanding the following determinants, find the value of determinant :

1 2
1
i. 0 3
2 ; along second row Ans : 39
4 1 3

1 1 2
ii. 2 3 4 ; along third column Ans : –2
3 4 0

Properties of Determinants :
Consider a determinant ‘D’ given by :

a1 b1 c1
a 2 b2 c 2
D = = a 1b 2c 3 – a 1b 3c 2 – b 1a 2c 3 + b 1a 3c 2 + c 1a 2b 3 – c 1a 3b 2 . . . (1)
a3 b3 c 3

Property - 1 :

If rows and columns of a determinant are interchanged then the value of the determinant
remains unchanged

a1 b1 c1 a1 a2 c 3
a 2 b2 c 2 b1 b 2 b 2
i.e. =
a3 b3 c3 c1 c 2 c3

D 1 is obtained by changing rows of D in columns.

 D1 = a 1(b 2c 3 – b 3c 2) – a 2(b 1c 3 – b 3c 1) + a 3(b 1c 2 – b 2c 1)

= a 1b 2c 3 – a 1b 3c 2 – b 1a 2c 3 + b 1a 3c 2 + c 1a 2b 3 – c 1a 3b 2 . . . .(2)

From (1) and (2) D = D 1

Determinants : Theory 74
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Remark :

1. The expansion of the determinant D 1 is the expansion of the determinant D along first
column.

2. If, the determinant is expanded row wise or column wise then the value of the
determinant remains same.

3. Properties applied to rows can also be applied to columns.

Property - 2 :

If any two rows (or columns) of a determinant are interchanged, then the value of the
determinant changes by sign only.

Let D 1 = determinant obtained by interchanging first and second row of determinant D.

a 2 b2 c 2
a1 b1 c1
D1 = = –D . . . .(Verify it !)
a3 b3 c3

Property - 3 :

If any two rows (or columns) of a determinant are identical, then the value of the determinant
is zero.

a1 b1 c1
a1 b1 c1
Let A =
a3 b3 c3

Here in determinant A first row and second row are identical

 A = 0 . . . .(Verify it !)

Property - 4 :

If each element of row (or a column) of a determinant is multiplied by a constant ‘K’ then its
value gets multiplied by the same constant K.

Let D 1 be the determinant obtained by multiplying the third row of D by K

a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2
 D1 =
Ka3 Kb3 Kc 3

Determinants : Theory 75
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

D1 = a 1(b 2Kc 3 – c 2Kb 3) – b 1(a 2Kc 3 – c 2Ka 3) + c 1(a 2Kb 3 – b 2Ka 3)

= Ka 1 (b 2c 3 – b 3c 2) – Kb 1(a 2c 3 – a 3c 2) + Kc 1(a 2b 3 – a 3b 2)

= K[a 1(b 2c 3 – b 3c 2) – b 1(a 2c 3 – a 3c 2) + c 1(a 2b 3 – a 3b 2)]

= KD

Property - 5 :

If each element of a row (or a column) is expressed as the sum of two numbers, then the
determinant can be expressed as the sum of two determinants.

a1  x1 b1  y1 c1  z1
a2 b2 c2
Let A =
a3 b3 c3

 A = (a 1 + x 1) [b 2c 3 – b 3c 2] – (b 1 + y1) [a 2c 3 – a 3c 2] + (c 1 + z 1) [a 2b 3 – a 3b 2]

= {a 1[b 2c 3 – b 3c 2] – b 1[a 2c 3 – a 3c 2] + c 1 [a 2b 3 – a 3b 2]} + {x 1 [b 2c 3 – b 3c 2]

– y1 [a 2c 3 – a 3c 2] + z 1[a 2b 3 – a 3b 2] }

a1 b1 c1 x1 y1 z1
a 2 b2 c 2 a 2 b2 c 2
= +
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

Property - 6 :

If a constant multiple of all elements of any row (or a column) is added to the corresponding
elements of any other row (or column) then the value of new determinant so obtained remains
unchanged.

Determinants : Theory 76
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

1 1 1
15 20 25
21. Find the value of the determinant
32 44 64

Solution :

1 1 1
15 20 25
Let D =
32 44 64

1 1 1
3 4 5
D = 5  4
8 11 16

C2  C2 – C1 and C 3  C 3 – C 1 gives

1 0 0
3 1 2
D = 20 = 20[1(8 – 6) – 0 + 0]
8 3 8

= 20  2 = 40

10 13 16
22. Without expanding the determinant, show that : 30 33 36 = 0
47 50 53

Solution :

10 13 16
Let D = 30 33 36
47 50 53

10 3 6
30 3 6
C2  C2 – C1 and C 3  C 3 – C 1 gives, D =
47 3 6

10 1 1
D = 3  6 30 1 1 = 18  0 = 0 (  C 2 and C 3 are identical)
47 1 1

Determinants : Theory 77
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

1 a a 2  bc
2
23. Without expanding the given determinant, show that : 1 b b  ca = 0
1 c c 2  ab

Solution :

1 a a 2  bc
1 b b 2  ca
Let D =
1 c c 2  ab

R 2  R 2 – R 1 and R 3  R 3 – R 1 gives

1 a a 2  bc 1 a a2  bc
0 b  a b 2  ca  a 2  bc 0 b  a b 2  a 2  (b  a )
D = =
0 c  a c 2  ab  a2  bc 0 c  a c 2  a2  b(c  a)

1 a a 2  bc
0 1 abc
= (b – a) (c – a) = (b – a) (c – a).0
0 1 abc

(R 2 and R 3 are identical)

xa yb zc x y z
2 2 2
24. Without expanding the determinants, show that : a b c = a b c
1 1 1 bc ca ab

Solution :

xa yb zc x y z
L.H.S. = a 2 b2 c 2 = abc a b c
1 1 1 1/ a 1/ b 1/ c

abc R 3 gives

x y z
a b c
= = R.H.S.
bc ca ab

Determinants : Theory 78
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

6 1 2 2 4 7 2 2 7
7 2 3 3 4 2 3 1 2
25. Without expanding determinants, show that : + =5
2 3 4 4 3 3 4 1 3

Solution :

6 1 2 2 4 7
7 2 3 3 4 2
LHS = +
2 3 4 4 3 3

Interchanging rows and columns in first determinant

6 7 2 2 4 7
1 2 3 3 4 2
LHS = +
2 3 4 4 3 3

Using C 1  C 3 in first determinant

2 7 6 2 4 7
3 2 1 3 4 2
= – +
4 3 2 4 3 3

Using C 2  C 3 in first determinant

2 6 7 2 4 7
3 1 2 3 4 2
= +
4 2 3 4 3 3

2 10 7 2 2 7
3 5 2 3 1 2
= = 5
4 5 3 4 1 3

= RHS

Determinants : Theory 79
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

a b  c a2
26. Show that : b c  a b2 = – (a – b) (b – c) (c – a) (a + b + c)
c a  b c2

Solution :

a b  c a2
Let D = b c  a b2
c a  b c2

C 2  C 2 + C 1 gives

a b  c  a a2 a 1 a2
D = b b  c  a b2 = (a + b + c) b 1 b
2

c c  a  b c2 c 1 c2

R 1  R 1 – R 2 and R 2 – R 3 gives Note : R 2 – R 3 means R 2  R 2 – R 3

a  b 0 (a  b)(a  b)
D = (a + b + c) b  c 0 (b  c )(b  c )
c 1 c2

1 0 ab
= (a – b) (b – c) (a + b + c) 1 0 b  c
c 1 c2

R 1  R 1 – R 2 gives

0 0 ac
D = (a – b) (b – c) (a + b + c) 1 0 b  c
c 1 c2

0 0 1
D = (a – b) (b – c) (a + b + c) (a – c) 1 0 b  c
c 1 c2

= (a – b) (b – c) (a – c) (a + b + c)  1 [1 – 0]

= – (a – b) (b – c) (c – a) (a + b + c) = RHS

Determinants : Theory 80
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

3 x  5 5 x  8 10 x  17
27. Find x, if : 2x  3 3x  4 4 x  5 = 0
x  2 2x  3 3x  4

Solution :

3 x  5 5 x  8 10 x  17
Given 2x  3 3x  4 4 x  5 = 0
x  2 2x  3 3x  4

R 1  R 1 – R 2 and R 2  R 2 – R 3 gives

x  2 2x  4 6 x  12
x 1 x 1 x 1 = 0
x  2 2x  3 3 x  4

1 2 6
 (x + 2) (x + 1) 1 1 1 = 0
x  2 2x  3 3 x  4

1 1 1
R1  R2 gives, (x + 2) (x + 1) 1 2 6 = 0
x  2 2x  3 3 x  4

C 2  C 2 – C 1 and C 3  C 3 – C 1 gives

1 0 0
1 1 5
(x + 2) (x + 1) = 0
x  2 x  1 2x  2

 (x + 2) (x + 1)  1[(2x + 2) – 5(x + 1)] = 0

 (x + 2) (x + 1)  (2x + 2 – 5x – 5) = 0

 (x + 2) (x + 1)  [– (3x + 3)] = 0

 – 3 (x + 2) (x + 1) 2 = 0

 x + 2 = 0, x+1=0

 x = – 2, x=–1

Determinants : Theory 81
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

28. Find the value of (All sums ) :

1 0 1 10 57 107 1 18 72
0 1 1 12 64 124 2 40 148
i. ii. iii.
1 1 0 15 78 153 2 45 150

10 10 10 1 1001 17 1 w w2 (where w is a
213 211 210 3 3003 19 w w2 1 complex cube
iv. v. vi.
372 375 377 5 5005 23 w2 w 1 root of unity)

Ans : i. 2 ii. 0 iii. – 12 iv. – 10 v. 0 vi. 0

29. Without expanding, show that the value of the following determinants is zero

1 1 1 xa x b xc 1 1 x
a b c ya y b yc 1 x x2
i. ii. iii.
bc c a ab za zb zc 1 x2 x3

0 xy yz 1 xy xy( x  y ) 2 3 33

yx 0 zx 1 yz yz( y  z ) 22 3 2 34
iv. v. vi.
zy xz 0 1 zx zx( z  x ) 23 3 3 35

30. Without expanding the determinants, show that :

a b c c z r 1 a2 a3 bc a a2
x y z a x p 1 b2 b3 ca b b 2
i. = ii. =
p q r b y q 1 c2 c3 ab c c 2

xy yz zx x y z a 2  2ab a 1 a2 a 1

zx xy yz z x y 3b2 b 1 b2 b 1
iii. =2 iv. =
yz zx xy y z x c 2  2bc c 1 c2 c 1

1 yz yz 1 x x2
1 zx z  x 1 y y2
v. =
1 xy x  y 1 z z2

Determinants : Theory 82
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

31. Without expanding the determinants, show that :

2 3 4 2 5 3 2 4 1 1 3 6 2 3 3 1 2 1
5 6 2 5 8 5 5 2 1 6 1 4 2 1 2 3 1 7
i. + =– 2 ii. +4 = 10
3 1 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 7 12 1 7 6 3 2 6

1 a bc
1 b ca
32. Show that : = (a – b) (b – c) (c – a)
1 c ab

a2  2a 2a  1 1
33. Prove that : 2a  1 a  2 1 = (a – 1) 3
3 3 1

1 1 1
2 2
34. Show that : x y z2 = (x – y) (y – z)(z – x) (xy + yz + zx)
x3 y 3
z 3

a  b  2c a b
35. Prove that : c b  c  2a b = 2(a + b + c) 3
c a c  a  2b

1 9 36
2 3 2 1
36. Find by inspection, two values of x, if =0 Ans : X = 3,
1 3 x 4x 2 2

37. Solve the following equations :

x 1 x 1 x  1 x 1 1 x 1 x  2 3
x 1 x 1 x  1 1 x 1 3 x2 x 1
i. =0 ii. =0 iii.
x 1 x 1 x 1 1 1 x x 1 4 x3

x 1 4 3
2 x8 6
iv.
3 12 x9

Ans : i. x = – 1/3 ii. x = 1, – 2 iii. x = 0, 2, – 3

iv. x = 0, – 18

Determinants : Theory 83
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Applications of Determinants :

Let a 1x + b 1y = c 1 and a 2x + b 2y = c 2 be two linear equations in two variables x and y.

There are two methods to solve the above equations :

i. Elimination of one variable ii. Cramer’s Rule

Cramer’s Rule :

The solution of a 1x + b 1y = c 1 and a 2x + b 2y = c 2 in unknowns x, y is given by

Dx Dy a1 b1 c1 b1 a1 c1
x= , y= provided D  0, where D = a b , D x = c b , Dy = a c
D D 2 2 2 2 2 2

Cramer’s Rule for three linear equations in three unknowns x, y, z :

If a 1x + b 1y + c 1z = d 1, a 2x + b 2y + c 2z = d 2 and a 3x + b 3y + c 3z = d 3 are three linear

Dx Dy Dz
equations in three unknowns x, y, z then x = ,y= ,z= provided,
D D D

a1 b1 c1
D  0 where D = a 2 b2 c 2 is the determinant of the coefficients of x, y, z in the given
a3 b3 c 3
equations

d1 b1 c1 a1 d1 c1 a1 b1 d1
d b2 c 2 a2 d2 c 2 a b2 d2
Dx = 2 , Dy = , Dz = 2
d3 b3 c 3 a3 d3 c 3 a3 b3 d3

38. Using Cramers rule find x and y, if 7x – 2y = 4 and x + y = 3

Solution :

Given 7x – 2y = 4 and x + y = 3

7 2
Here D = = 7+ 2 = 9  0
1 1

4 2
Dx = = 4+6 = 10
3 1

7 4
Dy = = 21 – 4 = 17
1 3

Dx 10 Dy 17
 x = = , y = =
D 9 D 9
10 17
 x = , y =
9 9
Determinants : Theory 84
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

2 1 1 3
39. Solve the following equations using Cramer’s rule + y  1 = 3, + y 1 = 7
x 1 x 1

Solution :

1 1
Put = a and y  1 = b in the given equations
x 1

 Given equations becomes 2a + b = 3 and – a + 3b = 7

2 1
Here D = = 6+1 = 7
1 3

3 1
Da = = 9–7 = 2
7 3

2 3
Db = = 14 + 3 = 17
1 7

Da 2 Db 17
 a = = and b = =
D 7 D 7
1 2 1 17
 = and y 1 =
x 1 7 7
7 7
 x–1 = and y+ 1 =
2 17
7 7
 x = +1 and y= –1
2 17
9  10
 x = and y =
2 17
9  10
 x = , y =
2 17

40. Find x, y, z using Cramer’s Rule, if x – y + z = 4, 2x + y – 3z = 0 and x + y + z = 2

Solution :

Given equations are x – y + z = 4, 2x + y – 3z = 0 and x+ y + z = 2

1 1 1
2 1 3
Here D = = 1(1 + 3) + 1(2 + 3) + 1(2 – 1)
1 1 1

= 10

Determinants : Theory 85
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

4 1 1
0 1 3
Dx = = 4(1 + 3) + 1(0 + 6) + 1(0 – 2)
2 1 1

= 20

1 4 1
2 0 3
Dy = = 1(0 + 6) – 4 (2 + 3) + 1 (4 – 0)
1 2 1

= – 10

1 1 4
2 1 0
Dz = = 1(2 – 0) + 1(4 – 0) + 4(2 – 1)
1 1 2

= 10
By Cramer ’s Rule we have

Dx 20 Dy  10 Dz 10
x = = = 2, y= = = – 1, z= = =1
D 10 D 10 D 10

 x = 2, y = – 1, z = 1

41. Solve the following equations using Cramer’s rule :

i. 3x + 4y – 7 = 0, y – 2x = 3 Ans : x = – 5/11, y = 23/11

ii. 4x – 3y – 2 = 0, 3x + 4y + 6 = 0 Ans : x = – 2/5, y = –6/5

42. Find x and y using Cramer’s Rule, if :

1 2 3 1 7 7
i. – y = 6, + y =8 Ans : x = ,y=
x x 22 10

1 2 3 5
ii. x + y = 10, x – =–3 Ans : x = –2, y = – 1
2 3 2 3y

43. Solve the following equations using Cramer’s Rule :

i. x – 2y = 3, – x + 3z = 5, 4y – z = 1 Ans : x = 26/5, y = 11/10, z = 17/5

ii. x + 2y + 3z = 6, 2x + 4y + z = 7, 3x + 2y + 9z = 14
Ans : x = 1, y = 1, z = 1

Determinants : Theory 86
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

44. Find x, y, z using Cramer’s Rule if :

1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 3
i. + y + = – 2, – y + = 3, – y+ = –1
x z x z x z
Ans : x = 3/25, y = – 3, z = – 1/6

2 1 2 3 2 1 1 3 3
ii. – y 1 + = 1, + y 1 – = 1, – y 1 – =2
x 1 z x 1 z x 1 z
Ans : x = 3, y = – 4, z = – 6

45. Solve the following equations for x, y, z if

sin x + cos y + tan z = 3, 2 sin x – cos y + 3 tan z = 4, 3 sin x – 2 cos y + tan z = 5,

where 0  x, y, z  90 o Ans : x = /2, y = 0, z = /4

46. Find : x, y, z if 5ex + 4log10y – 3 z = 1, 4ex + 3log10y – 2 z = 2 and 3ex – 2log10y + z = 3.

Ans : x = 0, y = 100, z = 16

47. The sum of three numbers is 6. Thrice the third number when added to the first number
gives 7. On adding the sum of second and third number to three times the first number,
we get 12. Find the three numbers using determinants. Ans : 3, 1, 2

48. The sum of three numbers is 2. If twice the second number is added in the sum of first
and third, we get 1. On adding the sum of second and third number to five times the
first number, we get 6. Find the three numbers using Cramer’s Rule. Ans : 1, –1, 2

49. The cost of 4 kg potato, 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice is ` 150. The cost of 1 kg potato, 2 kg
wheat and 3 kg rice is ` 125. The cost of 6 kg potato, 2 kg wheat and 3 kg rice is ` 175.
Find the cost of each item per kg, by using Cramer’s rule. Ans : ` 10, ` 20, ` 25

50. An amount of ` 5000 is invested in three investments at rate 6 %, 7 % and 8 % per

annum respectively. The total annual income from these investments is ` 350. If the
total annual income from first two investment is ` 70 more than the income from the
third, find the amount of ech investment by using determinant methods.
Ans : ` 1750, ` 1500, ` 1750

Determinants : Theory 87
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Consistency of three equations in two unknowns :

Consider the system of three linear equations in two unknowns x and y,

a 1x + b 1y + c 1 = 0 

a 2x + b 2y + c 2 = 0  . . .(1)

a 3x + b 3y + c 3 = 0 

These three equations are said to be consistent if they have the same common solution.
That is, the solution of any two of the three equations must satisfy the remaining thrid
equation.

a1 b1 c1
a 2 b2 c 2
For the system (1) is consistent, then =0
a3 b3 c3

51. Show that the equation 3x + 4y = 11, 2x – y = 0, 5x – 2y = 1 are consistent.

Solution :
Given equations are 3x + 4y = 11, 2x – y = 0, 5x – 2y = 1
 By conditions of consistency,

a1 b1 c1 3 4  11
a2 b2 c2 2 1 0
Consider = = 3(1) – 4(–2) – 11 (– 4 + 5)
a3 b3 c3 5 2 1

= 3 + 8 – 11 = 11 – 11 = 0

 The given system of equations is consistent

52. Find k, if the equations 3x + y = 2, kx + 2y = 3 and 2x – y = – 3 are consistent

Solution :

Given that the equations are consistent

a1 b1 c1 3 1 2
a2 b2 c2 k 2 3
 = = 0
a3 b3 c3 2 1 3

 3(6 – 3) – 1 (3k + 6) – 2(– k – 4) = 0

 – 3k + 2k + 9 – 6 + 8 = 0

 – k = – 11 i.e k = 11

Determinants : Theory 88
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

53. Examine the consistency of the following equations :

i. x + y = 2, 2x + 3y = 5, 3x – 2y = 1 Ans : consistent

ii. 3x – 4y + 1 = 0, x + 2y = 3, 2x + 7y + 5 = 0 Ans : inconsistent

54. Show that the following equations are consistent :

i. 5x + 6y + 5 = 0, x + 2y – 3 = 0, 3x + 4y + 1 = 0

ii. x + 2y – 3 = 0, 7x + 4y – 11 = 0, 2x – 3y + 1 = 0

55. Find k, if the following equations are consistent :

185
i. 7x – ky = 4, 2x + 5y = 9, 3x + y = 8 Ans : k=
2

ii. x + 3y + 2 = 0, 4y + 2x = k, x – 2y = 3k Ans : k = 16

56. Find k, if following equations are consistent :

i. x + y – k = 0, kx – 4y + 5 = 0, kx – 2y + 1 = 0 Ans : k = 3, – 1

ii. (k + 1)x + (k – 1) y + (k – 1) = 0, Ans : k = 1/3

(k – 1)x + (k + 1) y + (k – 1) = 0,

(k – 1)x + (k – 1) y + (k + 1) = 0

y 1 1 x
57. If  = , m = y and n = x – y, show that :  + m + n +  mn = 0
x

58. If the equations kx + 4y + 1 = 0, x + ky + 1 = 0 and 2x – 3y + 1 = 0 are consistent, then

show that the value of k is not a real number.

59. Show that equations x + ay + (a 2 – bc) = 0, x + by + (b 2 – ca) = 0 and x + cy + (c 2 – ab) = 0

are consistent.

60. If equations ax + by + c = 0, cx + ay + b = 0 and bx + cy + a = 0 are consistent, show

that a 3 + b 3 + c 3 = 3abc

Determinants : Theory 89
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

Area of Triangle :

The area of a triangle whose vertices are A(x 1, y1), B(x 2, y2) and C(x 3, y3) is given by following
1
Area of ABC = [x (y – y3) – x 2(y1 – y3) + x 3(y1 – y2)]
2 1 2

x1 x 2 x3 x1 y1 1
1 y1 y 2 y3 1 x2 y2 1
= =
2 1 1 1 2 x y3 1
3

Note :

i. Since area is a positive quantity, we always take the absolute value of the above
determinant.

ii. If three points A, B, C are collinear then A(ABC) = 0.

61. Find the area of triangle ABC whose vertices are A(3, 2), B(–2, –8) and C(6, –10)

Solution :

3 2 1
1 2 8 1 1
Area ABC = = [3  2 – 2  (– 8) + 1  68]
2 6  10 1 2

1 1
= [6 + 16 + 68] =  90 = 45 sq. units
2 2
15
62. Find k, if the area of triangle PQR is sq. units, where P  (k, – 4), Q  (1, –2) and
2
R  (4, –5).
Solution :
15
Given, area (PQR) =
2

k 1 4
1 4 2 5 15
 = 
2 1 1 1 2

 k  3 – 1  1 + 4  (–2) =  15

 3k – 1 – 8 = 15 or 3k – 1 – 8 = – 15

 3k = 15 + 9 = 24  3k – 9 = – 15

 k= 8  3k = 6 i.e. k = 2

 k = 2 or 8

Determinants : Theory 90
MINDSETTERS MATHEMATICS PRIVATE TUITIONS

63. Show that points (1, – 2), (3, 1) and (5, 4) are collinear

Solution :

If A  (1, –2), B  (3, 1) and C  (5, 4)

 Points A, B, C are collinear if Area (ABC) = 0

1 3 5
1 2 1 4 1
 Area (ABC) = = [(1  – 3) – (3  – 6) + (5  – 3)]
2 1 1 1 2

1 1
= [– 3 + 18 – 15] = [0] = 0
2 2

 Points A, B, C are collinear

64. Find the area of the following triangles whose vertices are :

i. (4, 5), (0, 7), (–1, 1) ii. (–1, 2), (2, 4), (0, 0)

Ans : i. 13 sq. units ii. 4 sq. units

65. Find k, if the area of the triangle, whose vertices are A(4, k), B(–5, –7) and C(–4, 1) is
38 sq. units. Ans : k = 141 or 11

66. Find k, if the area of the triangle with vertices at P(3, –5), Q(–2, k), R(1, 4) is
33/2 sq. units. Ans : k = 34 or k=1

67. Using determinants, show that the following points are collinear :

i. A(3, 7), B(4, –3), C(5, –13) ii. P(3, 1), Q(4, 2), C(5, 3)

68. Find the area of the quadrilateral whose vertices are

i. A(2, 1), B(2, 3), C(–2, 2), D(–1, 0) Ans : 15/2 sq. units

ii. A(–3, 1), B(–2, –2), C(4, 1), D(2, 3) Ans : 35/2 sq. units

1 1
69. If the points A(a, 0), B(0, b), C(1, 1) are collinear, prove that : + =1
a b

70. If the area of a quadrilateral ABCD is 41/2 sq. units find k, where A  (–4, 2), B  (–2, k),
C  (3, k) and D  (3, 1). Ans : k = – 2, or 29/6

71. If points (a, b), (c, d) and (a – c, b – d) are collinear show that ad – bc = 0.

72. Using determinants, find the equation of the line joining the points P(2, –3) and
Q(– 4, 1). Ans : 2x + 3y + 5 = 0

Determinants : Theory 91