All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

If A is an invertible matrix of order n and k is any positive real number, then the value of [det(kA)] -1 det A is

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2015 GAT Previous Year Paper (16-Dec-2015)
The correct answer is

k -n

Understanding Determinants and Scalar Multiples

This question asks us to evaluate an expression involving the determinant of an invertible matrix A and a scalar multiple of A. The expression is $[det(kA)]^{-1} det A$. To solve this, we need to use properties of determinants, specifically how the determinant changes when a matrix is multiplied by a scalar.

Key Property of Determinants

For an n x n matrix A and a scalar k, the determinant of the scalar multiple kA is given by:

\(det(kA) = k^n det A\)

Here, A is an invertible matrix of order n, and k is a positive real number.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Let's break down the given expression step by step:

We are given the expression: \([det(kA)]^{-1} det A\)

  1. First, let's find the value of \(det(kA)\). Using the property mentioned above, for an n x n matrix A and scalar k, we have:

    \(det(kA) = k^n det A\)

  2. Now, substitute this into the original expression:

    \([k^n det A]^{-1} det A\)

  3. Recall that for any non-zero number x, \(x^{-1} = \frac{1}{x}\). Also, for any numbers a and b, \((ab)^{-1} = a^{-1} b^{-1}\). Applying this to \([k^n det A]^{-1}\):

    \([k^n det A]^{-1} = (k^n)^{-1} (det A)^{-1}\)

    Also, \((k^n)^{-1} = k^{-n}\).

    So, \([k^n det A]^{-1} = k^{-n} (det A)^{-1}\)

  4. Substitute this result back into the expression from step 2:

    \(k^{-n} (det A)^{-1} det A\)

  5. Since \(det A\) is a non-zero number (because A is invertible), the product of \((det A)^{-1}\) and \(det A\) is 1:

    \((det A)^{-1} det A = 1\)

  6. Finally, substitute 1 into the expression from step 4:

    \(k^{-n} \times 1 = k^{-n}\)

Thus, the value of the expression \([det(kA)]^{-1} det A\) is \(k^{-n}\).

Analysis of Options

Let's compare our result with the given options:

  • Option 1: \(k^{-n}\)
  • Option 2: \(k^{-1}\)
  • Option 3: \(k^n\)
  • Option 4: \(nk\)

Our calculated value, \(k^{-n}\), matches Option 1.

Expression Part Property Used Result
\(det(kA)\) \(det(kA) = k^n det A\) \(k^n det A\)
\([det(kA)]^{-1}\) \((xy)^{-1} = x^{-1}y^{-1}\) and \((a^m)^n = a^{mn}\) \((k^n det A)^{-1} = k^{-n} (det A)^{-1}\)
\([det(kA)]^{-1} det A\) \(y^{-1} y = 1\) for \(y \neq 0\) \(k^{-n} (det A)^{-1} det A = k^{-n} \times 1 = k^{-n}\)

This confirms our result that the value of \([det(kA)]^{-1} det A\) is \(k^{-n}\).

Revision Table: Determinant Properties

Property Description Formula
Determinant of Scalar Multiple If A is an n x n matrix and k is a scalar. \(det(kA) = k^n det A\)
Determinant of Inverse If A is an invertible matrix. \(det(A^{-1}) = (det A)^{-1} = \frac{1}{det A}\)
Determinant of Product If A and B are n x n matrices. \(det(AB) = det A \times det B\)
Determinant of Identity The identity matrix \(I_n\) of order n. \(det(I_n) = 1\)

Additional Information: Invertible Matrices and Determinants

A matrix A is considered invertible (or non-singular) if and only if its determinant is non-zero. That is, \(det A \neq 0\).

The determinant of a matrix is a scalar value that can be computed from the elements of a square matrix. It has many uses, including determining if a matrix is invertible, solving systems of linear equations, and finding eigenvalues.

In this problem, the fact that A is invertible is crucial because it guarantees that \(det A \neq 0\), which allows us to use the property \((det A)^{-1} det A = 1\).

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. How many matrices of different orders are possible with elements comprising all prime numbers less than 30?

  2. If (a - b) (b - c) (c - a) = 2 and abc = 6, then what is the value of \(\begin{vmatrix}a & b & c \\ a^2 & b^2 & c^2 \\ a^3 & b^3 & c^3 \end{vmatrix}?\)

  3. Under which of the following conditions does the determinant \(\begin{vmatrix}a & b & c \\ b & c & a \\ c & a & b\end{vmatrix}\)  vanish?

    1. a + b + c = 0

    2. a 3+ b 3+ c 3= 3abc

    3. a 2+ b 2+ c 2- ab - bc - ca = 0

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  4. If \(ABC\) is a triangle, then what is the value of the determinant
    \(\begin{vmatrix}\cos C & \sin B & 0 \\\tan A & 0 & \sin B \\0 & \tan(B+C) & \cos C\end{vmatrix}?\)
     

  5. If \(a, b, c\) are the sides of triangle \(ABC\), then what is
    \(\begin{vmatrix}a^2 & b\sin A & c\sin A \\b\sin A & 1 & \cos A \\c\sin A & \cos A & 1\end{vmatrix} equal to ?\)

     

  6. If in a triangle ABC, sin3A + sin3B + sin3C = 3sinAsinBsinc, then what is the value of the determinant \(\begin{vmatrix}a & b & c \\b & c & a \\c & a & b\end{vmatrix}\) where a,b,c are sides of the triangle?

  7. For what value of $n$ is the determinant
    $[\begin{vmatrix}C\binom{9}{4} & C\binom{9}{3} & C\binom{10}{n-2} \\C\binom{11}{6} & C\binom{11}{5} & C\binom{12}{n} \\C\binom{m}{7} & C\binom{m}{6} & C\binom{m+1}{n+1} \end{vmatrix} = 0]$
     for every $m > n$?

  8. If B is a non-singular matrix and A is a square matrix, then the value of det (B -1 AB) is equal to

  9. Which of the following determinants have value zero?

    1. \(\left| {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {41}&1&5\\ {79}&7&9\\ {29}&5&3 \end{array}} \right|\)

    2. \(\left| {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} 1&a&{b + c}\\ 1&b&{c + a}\\ 1&c&{a + b} \end{array}} \right|\)

    3. \(\left| {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} 0&c&b\\ { - c}&0&a\\ { - b}&{ - a}&0 \end{array}} \right|\)

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  10. If A is a square matrix, then the value of adj A T– (adj A) Tis equal to


Important Questions from Determinants

  1. An $n \times n$ square matrix $A$ satisfies $A^T = A^{-1}$. The determinant of this matrix may take which of the following value(s)?
  2. The determinant of the matrix $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & p & q + r \\ 1 & q & r + p \\ 1 & r & p + q \end{pmatrix}$ is ______.

  3. Let $f(x) = \begin{vmatrix} x^3 & \sin x & \cos x \\ 6 & -1 & 0 \\ p & p^2 & p^3 \end{vmatrix}$ 

    where $p$ is a constant. 

    The value of $\frac{d^3}{dx^3}f(x)$ at $x = 0$ is

  4. How many matrices of different orders are possible with elements comprising all prime numbers less than 30?

  5. If A is a square matrix of order 3 and det A = 5, then what is det [(2A) -1 ] equal to ?

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
526 Tests 1 Tests Free
1171 Attempts
4.7(160)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App