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JEE Main 2019
Matrices & Determinants
Matrices and Determinants
Medium

Question

Let AA be a2×2a\,2 \times 2 matrix with real entries. Let II be the 2×22 \times 2 identity matrix. Denote by tr(A)(A), the sum of diagonal entries of aa. Assume that a2=I.{a^2} = I. Statement-1 : If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne - I, then det(A)=1(A)=-1 Statement- 2 : If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne - I, then tr (A)(A) 0 \ne 0.

Options

Solution

1. Key Concepts and Formulas

This problem revolves around the properties of a 2×22 \times 2 matrix AA that satisfies the condition A2=IA^2 = I, where II is the 2×22 \times 2 identity matrix. Such a matrix is known as an involutory matrix. To analyze its determinant (det(A)\det(A)) and trace (tr(A)\text{tr}(A)), we will primarily use the Cayley-Hamilton Theorem.

  • Cayley-Hamilton Theorem: Every square matrix satisfies its own characteristic equation. For a 2×22 \times 2 matrix AA, its characteristic equation is given by: det(AλI)=0    λ2tr(A)λ+det(A)=0\det(A - \lambda I) = 0 \implies \lambda^2 - \text{tr}(A)\lambda + \det(A) = 0 According to the theorem, the matrix AA itself satisfies this equation: A2tr(A)A+det(A)I=OA^2 - \text{tr}(A)A + \det(A)I = O where OO is the 2×22 \times 2 zero matrix.

2. Derivation from the Given Condition

We are given that A2=IA^2 = I. We can substitute this into the Cayley-Hamilton equation: Itr(A)A+det(A)I=OI - \text{tr}(A)A + \det(A)I = O Why this step? By substituting A2=IA^2=I, we introduce the given condition into the fundamental relationship provided by Cayley-Hamilton, allowing us to derive specific properties of AA.

Now, let's rearrange the equation to group the identity matrices: (1+det(A))Itr(A)A=O(1 + \det(A))I - \text{tr}(A)A = O This can be rewritten as: tr(A)A=(1+det(A))I() \text{tr}(A)A = (1 + \det(A))I \quad (*) Why this step? Rearranging helps isolate the terms involving AA and II, which will be crucial for our case analysis. This equation establishes a direct relationship between tr(A)\text{tr}(A), det(A)\det(A), AA, and II.

3. Analysis of the Resulting Equation

We need to analyze the implications of equation ()(*): tr(A)A=(1+det(A))I\text{tr}(A)A = (1 + \det(A))I. We consider two main scenarios for matrix AA:

Scenario 1: AA is a scalar multiple of II.

  • If A=kIA = kI for some real scalar kk.
  • Since A2=IA^2 = I, we have (kI)2=I    k2I=I    k2=1(kI)^2 = I \implies k^2 I = I \implies k^2 = 1.
  • This implies k=1k = 1 or k=1k = -1.
  • So, A=IA = I or A=IA = -I.
  • Why this scenario? These are the simplest involutory matrices. However, the statements in the question are conditioned on AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I. Therefore, these cases are excluded from the scope of evaluating Statement-1 and Statement-2.

Scenario 2: AA is NOT a scalar multiple of II.

  • If AA is not a scalar multiple of II, then the matrices AA and II are linearly independent in the space of 2×22 \times 2 matrices.
  • Why linear independence? If AA were a scalar multiple of II, it would contradict our assumption for this scenario. If AA is not kIkI, then c1I+c2A=Oc_1 I + c_2 A = O implies c1=0c_1=0 and c2=0c_2=0. This property is key to solving equation ()(*).
  • From equation ()(*), we have tr(A)A(1+det(A))I=O\text{tr}(A)A - (1 + \det(A))I = O.
  • Since AA and II are linearly independent, the coefficients of AA and II in this linear combination must both be zero.
    • Coefficient of AA: tr(A)=0\text{tr}(A) = 0
    • Coefficient of II: (1+det(A))=0    1+det(A)=0    det(A)=1-(1 + \det(A)) = 0 \implies 1 + \det(A) = 0 \implies \det(A) = -1

Conclusion from Analysis: Combining these scenarios, we deduce that for any 2×22 \times 2 matrix AA with real entries such that A2=IA^2=I:

  • If A=IA = I, then tr(A)=2\text{tr}(A) = 2 and det(A)=1\det(A) = 1.
  • If A=IA = -I, then tr(A)=2\text{tr}(A) = -2 and det(A)=1\det(A) = 1.
  • If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I (which implies AA is not a scalar multiple of II), then it must be that tr(A)=0\text{tr}(A) = 0 and det(A)=1\det(A) = -1.

Example: Consider A=(0110)A = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.

  • A2=(0110)(0110)=(1001)=IA^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = I.
  • AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I.
  • tr(A)=0+0=0\text{tr}(A) = 0 + 0 = 0.
  • det(A)=(0)(0)(1)(1)=1\det(A) = (0)(0) - (1)(1) = -1. This example perfectly fits our derived conclusion for matrices other than II or I-I.

4. Evaluating Statement-1

Statement-1: If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I, then det(A)=1\det(A)=-1.

  • Based on our rigorous analysis (Scenario 2), if AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I, then det(A)\det(A) must be equal to 1-1.
  • Therefore, Statement-1 is TRUE.

5. Evaluating Statement-2

Statement-2: If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I, then tr(A)0\text{tr}(A) \ne 0.

  • Based on our rigorous analysis (Scenario 2), if AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I, then tr(A)\text{tr}(A) must be equal to 00.
  • The statement claims tr(A)0\text{tr}(A) \ne 0, which directly contradicts our finding.
  • Therefore, Statement-2 is FALSE.

6. Conclusion and Option Selection

  • Statement-1 is TRUE.
  • Statement-2 is FALSE.

This combination matches option (D).

7. Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Don't forget Cayley-Hamilton: For problems involving A2A^2, tr(A)\text{tr}(A), and det(A)\det(A) for 2×22 \times 2 matrices, Cayley-Hamilton is often the most direct path.
  • Linear Independence: Remember that for 2×22 \times 2 matrices, if AA is not a scalar multiple of II, then AA and II are linearly independent. This is a powerful property for solving matrix equations like c1A+c2I=Oc_1 A + c_2 I = O.
  • Test with Examples: After deriving general conclusions, always test them with simple examples (like the one used above) to build confidence and catch potential errors.
  • Careful with Conditionals: Pay close attention to the "If... then..." structure of statements. The conditions (AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I) are crucial and exclude specific cases.

8. Summary / Key Takeaway

For any 2×22 \times 2 matrix AA with real entries such that A2=IA^2 = I:

  1. If A=IA=I or A=IA=-I, then det(A)=1\det(A)=1 and tr(A)=±2\text{tr}(A)=\pm 2.
  2. If AIA \ne I and AIA \ne -I, then det(A)=1\det(A)=-1 and tr(A)=0\text{tr}(A)=0. This comprehensive understanding allows for direct evaluation of statements about such matrices.

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