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Matrices & Determinants
Matrices and Determinants
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Question

If {\Delta _1} = \left| {\matrix{ x & {\sin \theta } & {\cos \theta } \cr { - \sin \theta } & { - x} & 1 \cr {\cos \theta } & 1 & x \cr } } \right| and {\Delta _2} = \left| {\matrix{ x & {\sin 2\theta } & {\cos 2\theta } \cr { - \sin 2\theta } & { - x} & 1 \cr {\cos 2\theta } & 1 & x \cr } } \right|, x0x \ne 0 ; then for all θ(0,π2)\theta \in \left( {0,{\pi \over 2}} \right) :

Options

Solution

This problem requires us to evaluate two 3×33 \times 3 determinants, Δ1\Delta_1 and Δ2\Delta_2, and then find the relationship between them. The core concept involved is the systematic expansion of a determinant and the application of fundamental trigonometric identities.


1. Key Concept: Expansion of a 3×33 \times 3 Determinant

To evaluate a 3×33 \times 3 determinant, we typically expand it along a row or a column. For a general matrix A=(abcdefghi)A = \begin{pmatrix} a & b & c \\ d & e & f \\ g & h & i \end{pmatrix}, its determinant, denoted as det(A)\det(A) or A|A|, when expanded along the first row, is given by: det(A)=aefhibdfgi+cdegh\det(A) = a \begin{vmatrix} e & f \\ h & i \end{vmatrix} - b \begin{vmatrix} d & f \\ g & i \end{vmatrix} + c \begin{vmatrix} d & e \\ g & h \end{vmatrix} Each 2×22 \times 2 minor determinant is calculated as pqrs=psqr\begin{vmatrix} p & q \\ r & s \end{vmatrix} = ps - qr. The signs (+,,++,-,+) for the terms in the expansion follow a checkerboard pattern starting with ++ for the a11a_{11} element.


2. Step-by-Step Evaluation of Δ1\Delta_1

Given the determinant: {\Delta _1} = \left| {\matrix{ x & {\sin \theta } & {\cos \theta } \cr { - \sin \theta } & { - x} & 1 \cr {\cos \theta } & 1 & x \cr } } \right|

Let's expand Δ1\Delta_1 along its first row: {\Delta _1} = x \cdot \left| {\matrix{ { - x} & 1 \cr 1 & x \cr } } \right| - \sin \theta \cdot \left| {\matrix{ { - \sin \theta } & 1 \cr {\cos \theta } & x \cr } } \right| + \cos \theta \cdot \left| {\matrix{ { - \sin \theta } & { - x} \cr {\cos \theta } & 1 \cr } } \right|

Now, we evaluate each 2×22 \times 2 minor determinant:

  • The minor for xx: (x)(x)(1)(1)=x21(-x)(x) - (1)(1) = -x^2 - 1
  • The minor for sinθ\sin \theta: (sinθ)(x)(1)(cosθ)=xsinθcosθ(-\sin \theta)(x) - (1)(\cos \theta) = -x \sin \theta - \cos \theta
  • The minor for cosθ\cos \theta: (sinθ)(1)(x)(cosθ)=sinθ+xcosθ(-\sin \theta)(1) - (-x)(\cos \theta) = -\sin \theta + x \cos \theta

Substitute these back into the expansion: Δ1=x(x21)sinθ(xsinθcosθ)+cosθ(sinθ+xcosθ){\Delta _1} = x(-x^2 - 1) - \sin \theta (-x \sin \theta - \cos \theta) + \cos \theta (-\sin \theta + x \cos \theta)

Next, distribute the terms: Δ1=x3x+xsin2θ+sinθcosθsinθcosθ+xcos2θ{\Delta _1} = -x^3 - x + x \sin^2 \theta + \sin \theta \cos \theta - \sin \theta \cos \theta + x \cos^2 \theta

Notice that the terms +sinθcosθ+\sin \theta \cos \theta and sinθcosθ-\sin \theta \cos \theta cancel each other out: Δ1=x3x+xsin2θ+xcos2θ{\Delta _1} = -x^3 - x + x \sin^2 \theta + x \cos^2 \theta

Factor out xx from the trigonometric terms: Δ1=x3x+x(sin2θ+cos2θ){\Delta _1} = -x^3 - x + x (\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta)

Apply the fundamental trigonometric identity: sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1. Δ1=x3x+x(1){\Delta _1} = -x^3 - x + x(1) Δ1=x3x+x{\Delta _1} = -x^3 - x + x Δ1=x3{\Delta _1} = -x^3


3. Step-by-Step Evaluation of Δ2\Delta_2

Given the determinant: {\Delta _2} = \left| {\matrix{ x & {\sin 2\theta } & {\cos 2\theta } \cr { - \sin 2\theta } & { - x} & 1 \cr {\cos 2\theta } & 1 & x \cr } } \right|

Observe that the structure of Δ2\Delta_2 is identical to Δ1\Delta_1, with every instance of θ\theta replaced by 2θ2\theta. This means the entire expansion process will follow the same steps. If we substitute 2θ2\theta for θ\theta in the simplified expression for Δ1\Delta_1, we get: Δ2=x3x+x(sin22θ+cos22θ){\Delta _2} = -x^3 - x + x (\sin^2 2\theta + \cos^2 2\theta)

Applying the same trigonometric identity sin2α+cos2α=1\sin^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \alpha = 1 (where α=2θ\alpha = 2\theta): Δ2=x3x+x(1){\Delta _2} = -x^3 - x + x(1) Δ2=x3x+x{\Delta _2} = -x^3 - x + x Δ2=x3{\Delta _2} = -x^3


4. Comparing with Options

We have found that Δ1=x3{\Delta _1} = -x^3 and Δ2=x3{\Delta _2} = -x^3. Now let's examine the given options:

  • Option (A): Δ1Δ2=x(cos2θcos4θ){\Delta _1} - {\Delta _2} = x (\cos 2\theta – \cos 4\theta) Substituting our calculated values: (x3)(x3)=0(-x^3) - (-x^3) = 0 So, option (A) would imply 0=x(cos2θcos4θ)0 = x (\cos 2\theta – \cos 4\theta). Since x0x \ne 0, this would require cos2θ=cos4θ\cos 2\theta = \cos 4\theta for all θ(0,π/2)\theta \in (0, \pi/2). This is not universally true (e.g., for θ=π/4\theta = \pi/4, cos(π/2)=0\cos(\pi/2) = 0 and cos(π)=1\cos(\pi) = -1, which are not equal). Thus, this option is generally incorrect.

  • Option (B): Δ1+Δ2=2x3{\Delta _1} + {\Delta _2} = - 2x^3 Substituting our calculated values: (x3)+(x3)=2x3(-x^3) + (-x^3) = -2x^3 This matches the option perfectly.

  • Option (C): Δ1+Δ2=2(x3+x1){\Delta _1} + {\Delta _2} = – 2(x^3 + x –1) Substituting our calculated values: 2x3=2(x3+x1)-2x^3 = -2(x^3 + x - 1) This simplifies to x3=x3+x1x^3 = x^3 + x - 1, which means x1=0x - 1 = 0, or x=1x = 1. This is not true for all x0x \ne 0. Thus, this option is generally incorrect.

  • Option (D): Δ1Δ2=2x3{\Delta _1} - {\Delta _2} = - 2x^3 Substituting our calculated values: (x3)(x3)=0(-x^3) - (-x^3) = 0 So, 0=2x30 = -2x^3. Since x0x \ne 0, this implies 0=2(0)0 = -2(0), which means 0=00=0. No, this implies 0=2x30 = -2x^3, which is false for x0x \ne 0. Thus, this option is incorrect.

Based on our calculations, Option (B) is the correct relationship.


5. Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Sign Errors: The most common mistake in determinant expansion is incorrect signs. Remember the checkerboard pattern of signs for cofactors: (+++++)\begin{pmatrix} + & - & + \\ - & + & - \\ + & - & + \end{pmatrix}.
  • Algebraic Simplification: Be careful with distributing negative signs and combining like terms.
  • Trigonometric Identities: Always look for opportunities to simplify expressions using fundamental identities like sin2α+cos2α=1\sin^2\alpha + \cos^2\alpha = 1. This often dramatically reduces the complexity of the problem.
  • Pattern Recognition: In problems involving similar determinants (like Δ1\Delta_1 and Δ2\Delta_2 here), solving one completely often provides a direct path to the solution of the other, saving time and reducing the chance of repeated errors.
  • Discrepancy Note: Based on the detailed step-by-step evaluation, Δ1=x3\Delta_1 = -x^3 and Δ2=x3\Delta_2 = -x^3. This leads directly to Δ1+Δ2=2x3\Delta_1 + \Delta_2 = -2x^3 (Option B) and Δ1Δ2=0\Delta_1 - \Delta_2 = 0. If the provided correct answer is (A), it implies 0=x(cos2θcos4θ)0 = x(\cos 2\theta - \cos 4\theta), which is only true for specific values of θ\theta (like θ=π/3\theta = \pi/3) and not for all θ(0,π/2)\theta \in (0, \pi/2). Therefore, based on standard mathematical evaluation, Option (B) is the logically consistent answer.

6. Summary and Key Takeaway

This problem demonstrates a straightforward application of determinant expansion for 3×33 \times 3 matrices. The key steps involved were:

  1. Systematically expanding the determinant along a row or column.
  2. Carefully performing algebraic simplifications.
  3. Recognizing and applying the fundamental trigonometric identity sin2α+cos2α=1\sin^2\alpha + \cos^2\alpha = 1.
  4. Leveraging the structural similarity between Δ1\Delta_1 and Δ2\Delta_2 to quickly evaluate both.

The final result is that both determinants simplify to x3-x^3, making their sum 2x3-2x^3. Mastery of determinant evaluation and trigonometric identities is crucial for such problems in JEE Mathematics.

The final answer is B\boxed{\text{B}}.

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