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JEE Main 2023
Matrices & Determinants
Matrices and Determinants
Hard

Question

If the system of linear equations x2y+z=42x+αy+3z=53xy+βz=3\begin{aligned} & x-2 y+z=-4 \\ & 2 x+\alpha y+3 z=5 \\ & 3 x-y+\beta z=3 \end{aligned} has infinitely many solutions, then 12α+13β12 \alpha+13 \beta is equal to

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Solution

Here's a clear, educational, and well-structured solution for the given problem.


1. Key Concepts and Formulas

For a system of linear equations in three variables: a1x+b1y+c1z=d1a2x+b2y+c2z=d2a3x+b3y+c3z=d3\begin{aligned} a_1 x + b_1 y + c_1 z &= d_1 \\ a_2 x + b_2 y + c_2 z &= d_2 \\ a_3 x + b_3 y + c_3 z &= d_3 \end{aligned} to have infinitely many solutions, the following conditions must be met according to Cramer's Rule:

  • Determinant of the coefficient matrix (DD) must be zero. D=a1b1c1a2b2c2a3b3c3=0D = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} a_1 & b_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & c_2 \\ a_3 & b_3 & c_3 \end{array}\right| = 0
  • Determinants DxD_x, DyD_y, and DzD_z must also be zero. These are formed by replacing the respective coefficient column in DD with the constant terms (d1,d2,d3d_1, d_2, d_3). Dx=d1b1c1d2b2c2d3b3c3=0Dy=a1d1c1a2d2c2a3d3c3=0Dz=a1b1d1a2b2d2a3b3d3=0D_x = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} d_1 & b_1 & c_1 \\ d_2 & b_2 & c_2 \\ d_3 & b_3 & c_3 \end{array}\right| = 0 \quad D_y = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} a_1 & d_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & d_2 & c_2 \\ a_3 & d_3 & c_3 \end{array}\right| = 0 \quad D_z = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} a_1 & b_1 & d_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & d_2 \\ a_3 & b_3 & d_3 \end{array}\right| = 0 These four conditions (D=Dx=Dy=Dz=0D=D_x=D_y=D_z=0) ensure that the system is consistent and represents coincident planes or planes intersecting along a line.

2. Step-by-Step Solution

The given system of linear equations is: x2y+z=42x+αy+3z=53xy+βz=3\begin{aligned} & x-2 y+z=-4 \\ & 2 x+\alpha y+3 z=5 \\ & 3 x-y+\beta z=3 \end{aligned}

Step 1: Set up the Determinants We first write down the four determinants based on the given system. This is crucial for translating the problem into a solvable form.

  • DD (Determinant of coefficients): D=1212α331βD = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} 1 & -2 & 1 \\ 2 & \alpha & 3 \\ 3 & -1 & \beta \end{array}\right|
  • D1D_1 (or DxD_x, replacing xx-coefficients with constants): D1=4215α331βD_1 = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} -4 & -2 & 1 \\ 5 & \alpha & 3 \\ 3 & -1 & \beta \end{array}\right|
  • D2D_2 (or DyD_y, replacing yy-coefficients with constants): D2=14125333βD_2 = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} 1 & -4 & 1 \\ 2 & 5 & 3 \\ 3 & 3 & \beta \end{array}\right|
  • D3D_3 (or DzD_z, replacing zz-coefficients with constants): D3=1242α5313D_3 = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} 1 & -2 & -4 \\ 2 & \alpha & 5 \\ 3 & -1 & 3 \end{array}\right|

Step 2: Calculate D2D_2 and solve for β\beta To efficiently find the values of α\alpha and β\beta, it's strategic to start with determinants that involve only one unknown. D2D_2 depends only on β\beta. We calculate D2D_2 by expanding along the first row and set it to zero. D2=1533β(4)233β+12533=1(5β33)+4(2β33)+1(2353)=(5β9)+4(2β9)+(615)=5β9+8β369=13β54\begin{aligned} D_2 &= 1 \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} 5 & 3 \\ 3 & \beta \end{array} \right| - (-4) \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} 2 & 3 \\ 3 & \beta \end{array} \right| + 1 \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} 2 & 5 \\ 3 & 3 \end{array} \right| \\ &= 1(5 \cdot \beta - 3 \cdot 3) + 4(2 \cdot \beta - 3 \cdot 3) + 1(2 \cdot 3 - 5 \cdot 3) \\ &= (5 \beta - 9) + 4(2 \beta - 9) + (6 - 15) \\ &= 5 \beta - 9 + 8 \beta - 36 - 9 \\ &= 13 \beta - 54 \end{aligned} Setting D2=0D_2 = 0: 13β54=013 \beta - 54 = 0 13β=5413 \beta = 54 β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13} We have found the value of β\beta.

Step 3: Calculate D3D_3 and solve for α\alpha Similarly, D3D_3 depends only on α\alpha. We calculate D3D_3 by expanding along the first row and set it to zero to find α\alpha. D3=1α513(2)2533+(4)2α31=1(α35(1))+2(2353)4(2(1)α3)=(3α+5)+2(615)4(23α)=3α+5+2(9)4(23α)=3α+518+8+12α=15α5\begin{aligned} D_3 &= 1 \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} \alpha & 5 \\ -1 & 3 \end{array} \right| - (-2) \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} 2 & 5 \\ 3 & 3 \end{array} \right| + (-4) \cdot \left| \begin{array}{cc} 2 & \alpha \\ 3 & -1 \end{array} \right| \\ &= 1(\alpha \cdot 3 - 5 \cdot (-1)) + 2(2 \cdot 3 - 5 \cdot 3) - 4(2 \cdot (-1) - \alpha \cdot 3) \\ &= (3 \alpha + 5) + 2(6 - 15) - 4(-2 - 3 \alpha) \\ &= 3 \alpha + 5 + 2(-9) - 4(-2 - 3 \alpha) \\ &= 3 \alpha + 5 - 18 + 8 + 12 \alpha \\ &= 15 \alpha - 5 \end{aligned} Setting D3=0D_3 = 0: 15α5=015 \alpha - 5 = 0 15α=515 \alpha = 5 α=515\alpha = \frac{5}{15} α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3} We have found the value of α\alpha.

Step 4: Verify with D=0D=0 For infinitely many solutions, DD must also be zero. We substitute the values of α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3} and β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13} into the expression for DD and check if it evaluates to zero. D=1212α331β=1(αβ+3)+2(2β9)+1(23α)=αβ3α+4β17\begin{aligned} D &= \left|\begin{array}{ccc} 1 & -2 & 1 \\ 2 & \alpha & 3 \\ 3 & -1 & \beta \end{array}\right| \\ &= 1(\alpha\beta+3) + 2(2\beta-9) + 1(-2-3\alpha) \\ &= \alpha\beta - 3\alpha + 4\beta - 17 \end{aligned} Substitute α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3} and β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13}: D=(13)(5413)3(13)+4(5413)17=18131+2161317=18+21613(1+17)=2341318=1818=0\begin{aligned} D &= \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)\left(\frac{54}{13}\right) - 3\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) + 4\left(\frac{54}{13}\right) - 17 \\ &= \frac{18}{13} - 1 + \frac{216}{13} - 17 \\ &= \frac{18 + 216}{13} - (1 + 17) \\ &= \frac{234}{13} - 18 \\ &= 18 - 18 \\ &= 0 \end{aligned} Since D=0D=0 is satisfied, our values for α\alpha and β\beta are consistent.

Step 5: Verify with D1=0D_1=0 (Optional but Recommended) As a final check, we can verify that D1D_1 also evaluates to zero with our values of α\alpha and β\beta. D1=4215α331βD_1 = \left|\begin{array}{ccc} -4 & -2 & 1 \\ 5 & \alpha & 3 \\ 3 & -1 & \beta \end{array}\right| Expand D1D_1 along the first row: D1=4(αβ3(1))(2)(5β3(3))+1(5(1)α(3))D_1 = -4(\alpha \beta - 3(-1)) - (-2)(5\beta - 3(3)) + 1(5(-1) - \alpha(3)) D1=4(αβ+3)+2(5β9)+(53α)D_1 = -4(\alpha \beta + 3) + 2(5\beta - 9) + (-5 - 3\alpha) Substitute α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3} and β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13}. First, αβ=135413=1813\alpha\beta = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{54}{13} = \frac{18}{13}. D1=4(1813+3)+2(554139)+(5313)=4(18+3913)+2(27011713)+(51)=4(5713)+2(15313)6=22813+306137813=3062287813=013=0\begin{aligned} D_1 &= -4\left(\frac{18}{13} + 3\right) + 2\left(5 \cdot \frac{54}{13} - 9\right) + \left(-5 - 3 \cdot \frac{1}{3}\right) \\ &= -4\left(\frac{18+39}{13}\right) + 2\left(\frac{270-117}{13}\right) + (-5 - 1) \\ &= -4\left(\frac{57}{13}\right) + 2\left(\frac{153}{13}\right) - 6 \\ &= -\frac{228}{13} + \frac{306}{13} - \frac{78}{13} \\ &= \frac{306 - 228 - 78}{13} \\ &= \frac{0}{13} \\ &= 0 \end{aligned} All conditions are satisfied, confirming our values for α\alpha and β\beta.

Step 6: Calculate the final expression The question asks for the value of 12α+13β12 \alpha + 13 \beta. Substitute α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3} and β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13}: 12α+13β=12(13)+13(5413)12 \alpha + 13 \beta = 12 \left(\frac{1}{3}\right) + 13 \left(\frac{54}{13}\right) =4+54= 4 + 54 =58= 58

3. Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Determinant Calculation Errors: The most frequent mistake is arithmetic or sign errors while expanding 3×33 \times 3 determinants. Double-check each expansion carefully.
  • Forgetting All Conditions: For infinitely many solutions, D=0D=0 is necessary but not sufficient. All Dx,Dy,DzD_x, D_y, D_z must also be zero. Failing to use these additional conditions can lead to incorrect values for the parameters.
  • Strategic Choice: When multiple determinants need to be zero, prioritize calculating those that involve fewer unknown variables (like D2D_2 and D3D_3 in this problem) to simplify the solving process.
  • Verification: If time permits, use the remaining determinant conditions (DD or D1D_1) to verify the derived parameter values. This significantly increases confidence in your answer.

4. Summary

To solve a system of linear equations with infinitely many solutions, we apply Cramer's Rule, which states that the determinant of the coefficient matrix (DD) and all three modified determinants (Dx,Dy,DzD_x, D_y, D_z) must be zero. By systematically calculating D2D_2 and D3D_3 and setting them to zero, we found β=5413\beta = \frac{54}{13} and α=13\alpha = \frac{1}{3}. These values were then verified to satisfy D=0D=0 and D1=0D_1=0. Finally, substituting these values into the required expression 12α+13β12\alpha + 13\beta yielded 5858.

5. Final Answer

The value of 12α+13β12 \alpha + 13 \beta is 5858. The final answer is 58\boxed{58} which corresponds to option (D).

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