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Matrices & Determinants
Matrices and Determinants
Easy

Question

If the matrices A = \left[ {\matrix{ 1 & 1 & 2 \cr 1 & 3 & 4 \cr 1 & { - 1} & 3 \cr } } \right], B = adjA and C = 3A, then adjBC{{\left| {adjB} \right|} \over {\left| C \right|}} is equal to :

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Solution

This problem tests your understanding of the fundamental properties of determinants and adjoint matrices, which are crucial concepts in linear algebra for JEE Mathematics.


Key Concepts and Formulas Used

Before we dive into the solution, let's recall the essential properties that will be applied:

For a square matrix XX of order nn:

  1. Determinant of Adjoint: The determinant of the adjoint of XX is given by: adjX=Xn1|\text{adj}X| = |X|^{n-1} This formula is vital for simplifying expressions involving adjoints.

  2. Determinant of Adjoint of Adjoint: Extending the above property, the determinant of the adjoint of the adjoint of XX is: adj(adjX)=X(n1)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}X)| = |X|^{(n-1)^2} This is a direct application of the first property, where XX is replaced by adjX\text{adj}X. Since adjX\text{adj}X is also an n×nn \times n matrix, adj(adjX)=adjXn1=(Xn1)n1=X(n1)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}X)| = |\text{adj}X|^{n-1} = (|X|^{n-1})^{n-1} = |X|^{(n-1)^2}.

  3. Determinant of Scalar Multiple of a Matrix: If kk is a scalar, then the determinant of kXkX is: kX=knX|kX| = k^n |X| This property highlights how scalar multiplication affects the determinant, raising the scalar to the power of the matrix's order.

In this problem, the given matrix AA is a 3×33 \times 3 matrix, so the order n=3n=3.


Step-by-Step Solution

1. Calculate the Determinant of Matrix A (A|A|).

First, we need to find the determinant of the given matrix AA. A=[112134113]A = \left[ {\begin{matrix} 1 & 1 & 2 \\ 1 & 3 & 4 \\ 1 & { - 1} & 3 \end{matrix} } \right]

We will expand the determinant along the first row (R1R_1) for simplicity. A=1341311413+21311|A| = 1 \cdot \left| {\begin{matrix} 3 & 4 \\ { - 1} & 3 \end{matrix} } \right| - 1 \cdot \left| {\begin{matrix} 1 & 4 \\ 1 & 3 \end{matrix} } \right| + 2 \cdot \left| {\begin{matrix} 1 & 3 \\ 1 & { - 1} \end{matrix} } \right|

Now, calculate the 2×22 \times 2 determinants: A=1((3)(3)(4)(1))1((1)(3)(4)(1))+2((1)(1)(3)(1))|A| = 1 \cdot ((3)(3) - (4)(-1)) - 1 \cdot ((1)(3) - (4)(1)) + 2 \cdot ((1)(-1) - (3)(1)) A=1(9(4))1(34)+2(13)|A| = 1 \cdot (9 - (-4)) - 1 \cdot (3 - 4) + 2 \cdot (-1 - 3) A=1(9+4)1(1)+2(4)|A| = 1 \cdot (9 + 4) - 1 \cdot (-1) + 2 \cdot (-4) A=1(13)+18|A| = 1 \cdot (13) + 1 - 8 A=13+18|A| = 13 + 1 - 8 A=148|A| = 14 - 8 A=6|A| = 6 So, the determinant of matrix A is 66.

Why this step is taken: The problem asks for an expression involving A|A|, so calculating A|A| is the foundational first step.

2. Express the Given Expression in Terms of A.

We are asked to find the value of adjBC\frac{|\text{adj}B|}{|C|}. We are given B=adjAB = \text{adj}A and C=3AC = 3A. Substitute these definitions into the expression: adjBC=adj(adjA)3A\frac{|\text{adj}B|}{|C|} = \frac{|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)|}{|3A|}

Why this step is taken: By substituting BB and CC with their definitions in terms of AA, we transform the problem into one that can be solved using the properties of determinant and adjoint related to matrix AA, which is the known matrix.

3. Apply Determinant Properties to the Numerator.

The numerator is adj(adjA)|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)|. Using the property adj(adjX)=X(n1)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}X)| = |X|^{(n-1)^2} with X=AX=A and n=3n=3: adj(adjA)=A(31)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)| = |A|^{(3-1)^2} adj(adjA)=A(2)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)| = |A|^{(2)^2} adj(adjA)=A4|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)| = |A|^4

Why this step is taken: This step simplifies the complex expression involving nested adjoints into a straightforward power of A|A|, making it much easier to work with.

4. Apply Determinant Properties to the Denominator.

The denominator is C=3A|C| = |3A|. Using the property kX=knX|kX| = k^n |X| with X=AX=A, k=3k=3, and n=3n=3: 3A=33A|3A| = 3^3 |A| 3A=27A|3A| = 27 |A|

Why this step is taken: This step simplifies the determinant of a scalar multiple of AA into a product of a constant and A|A|, preparing it for combination with the numerator.

5. Combine and Simplify the Expression.

Now, substitute the simplified numerator and denominator back into the main expression: adj(adjA)3A=A433A\frac{|\text{adj}(\text{adj}A)|}{|3A|} = \frac{|A|^4}{3^3 |A|}

We can simplify the powers of A|A|: A433A=A4133\frac{|A|^4}{3^3 |A|} = \frac{|A|^{4-1}}{3^3} =A333 = \frac{|A|^3}{3^3}

Now, substitute the value of A=6|A|=6 that we calculated in Step 1: =6333 = \frac{6^3}{3^3}

This can be written as: =(63)3 = \left(\frac{6}{3}\right)^3 =(2)3 = (2)^3 =8 = 8

Why this step is taken: This is the final calculation phase. By systematically substituting the derived simplified forms and the calculated value of A|A|, we arrive at the numerical answer.


Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Order of Matrix (nn): Always identify the order of the matrix first (here, n=3n=3). Many formulas depend on nn. A common mistake is using n=2n=2 or n=4n=4 incorrectly.
  • Distinguishing Adjoint Properties: Be careful not to confuse adjX=Xn1|\text{adj}X| = |X|^{n-1} with adj(adjX)=X(n1)2|\text{adj}(\text{adj}X)| = |X|^{(n-1)^2}. Understand their derivations.
  • Scalar Multiplication of Determinants: Remember that kA=knA|kA| = k^n|A|, not just kAk|A|. The scalar kk is raised to the power of the matrix's order nn.
  • Determinant Calculation: Practice calculating determinants of 3×33 \times 3 matrices accurately. A small error in A|A| will propagate through the entire problem.
  • Step-by-Step Approach: Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. This reduces the chance of errors and makes the solution clearer.

Summary and Key Takeaway

This problem is a classic example of how to efficiently use the properties of determinants and adjoints. The key takeaway is to:

  1. Always calculate the fundamental determinant (A|A| in this case) first.
  2. Systematically apply the relevant properties, such as adjX=Xn1|\text{adj}X| = |X|^{n-1} and kX=knX|kX| = k^n|X|, by carefully substituting XX, kk, and nn.
  3. Simplify the expression algebraically before substituting numerical values to avoid cumbersome calculations.

Mastering these properties is essential for solving a wide range of problems in matrices and determinants for JEE.

The final answer is 8\boxed{\text{8}}.

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