Q.(aA)−1=a1A−1, where a is any real number and A is a square matrix.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Adjoint Matrix Property
The Adjoint Matrix and Its Central Property
You have a square matrix A and want to find A−1. There is a clean route through the adjoint (or adjugate) of A — a matrix built from the cofactors of A that has a beautiful relationship with A itself.
The intuition
For a 2×2 matrix you already know the inverse:
A=(acbd),A−1=ad−bc1(d−c−ba).
That second matrix, (d−c−ba), is exactly adj(A). The adjoint is the object you multiply by 1/det(A) to recover the inverse.
In Indian exam usage, "adjoint" always means the adjugate — the transpose of the cofactor matrix — not the Hermitian conjugate.
Building the adjoint
For each entry aij of an n×n matrix, the cofactor is
Cij=(−1)i+jMij,
where Mij is the minor (the determinant left after deleting row i and column j). Collect the cofactors into the cofactor matrix, then transpose:
adj(A)=[Cij]T,
so the (i,j) entry of adj(A) is Cji.
The central property
A⋅adj(A)=adj(A)⋅A=det(A)In.
Why? The (i,i) entry of Aadj(A) is ai1Ci1+⋯+ainCin — precisely the expansion of det(A) along row i. An off-diagonal (i,j) entry is the expansion of a determinant with two equal rows, which is 0.
Consequences
- If det(A)=0: A−1=det(A)1adj(A).
- If det(A)=0: A⋅adj(A)=O, so the adjoint annihilates A.
- Order fact: det(adj(A))=det(A)n−1. …
This is a "true or false" statement, so test the claim exactly as written: it asserts the identity for any real number a.
For a=0 (and A invertible) the identity is correct, because
(aA)(a1A−1)=a⋅a1(AA−1)=I. …
False — the identity (aA)−1=a1A−1 is valid only when a=0 (and A is invertible); the word "any" wrongly includes a=0, where aA has no inverse.
What the statement claims
It says (aA)−1=a1A−1 for any real number a. To decide true or false we must check whether it holds for every allowed a.
Where it is true
When a=0 and A is invertible, the formula is a genuine identity. Verify by multiplying:
(aA)(a1A−1)=(a⋅a1)(AA−1)=1⋅I=I,
and similarly on the other side, so a1A−1 really is the inverse of aA.
Where it breaks …
Method: Testing a "For Any Value of a" Matrix Identity Claim
Use this method whenever a statement claims an identity holds for "any real number a" (or a similarly unrestricted quantifier) — verify the general case, then deliberately hunt for an excluded/edge value that breaks it.
Steps
Step 1: Verify the identity in the generic (well-behaved) case
Check that the claimed formula is algebraically valid under the "obvious" assumptions — here, for a=0 and A invertible:
(aA)(a1A−1)=(a⋅a1)(AA−1)=I
This confirms the formula's mechanics are correct in the ordinary case.
Step 2: Identify what the "any" quantifier actually commits you to
A statement claiming something holds for "any real number a" is a universal claim — it must hold for EVERY value of a, with no exceptions, to be judged true.
Step 3: Hunt for a value that breaks a hidden assumption …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Only checking the "normal" case and declaring the statement True
Why it's wrong: the algebra (aA)(a1A−1)=I genuinely works for a nonzero a, which tempts a student to mark the statement True without checking the word "any" against every possible value of a. Correct approach: whenever a statement uses "any"/"every"/"all", actively search for a boundary value (here a=0) that could break it before answering.
Mistake 2: Missing that a=0 also breaks the left-hand side, not just the right …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQQ.If B is the inverse of a third order matrix A and detB=k, then (adj(adjA))−1= (A) kB (B) k1B (C) kB−1 (D) B+kI
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using adj(adjA)=(detA)n−2A for n=3, together with detA=1/k, gives (adj(adjA))−1=kB.
Concept and Intuition
For an n×n invertible matrix, the double-adjugate identity is adj(adjA)=(detA)n−2A. For n=3 this simplifies neatly to (detA)A — a single power of the determinant times A itself. Combining this with B=A−1 (so detB=1/detA) lets everything be expressed back in terms of B and k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- B=A−1 and detB=k ⇒ detA=detB1=k1.
- For a 3×3 matrix: adj(adjA)=(detA)3−2A=(detA)A.
- Take the inverse of both sides:
(adj(adjA))−1=[(detA)A]−1=detA1A−1=detA1B
- Substitute detA1=k (from step 1): …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.A,B are 3rd order non-singular square matrices and K is a real number. Which of the following is true? (A) Adj(AB)=(AdjB)(AdjA) and adj(A−1)=(adjA)−1 (B) Adj(KA)=KAdj(A) and ∣KA∣=K3∣A∣ (C) ∣B−1AB∣=∣A∣ and (A+B)2=A2+2AB+B2 (D) (adjA)−1=∣A∣A and (AB)−1=B−1A−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to test each statement using standard matrix properties for non‑singular matrices. Only option (D) contains two statements that are both true.
-
Check option (A):
- The first part, Adj(AB)=(AdjB)(AdjA), is a true property of adjugates for square matrices (order doesn’t matter as long as they are square).
- The second part claims Adj(A−1)=(AdjA)−1. But we know Adj(A−1)=∣A−1∣A=∣A∣1A, and (AdjA)−1=∣A∣A (since AdjA=∣A∣A−1). These are equal, so the inequality is false. Hence (A) is not fully true.
-
Check option (B):
- Adj(KA)=Kn−1AdjA for an n×n matrix. Here n=3, so Adj(KA)=K2AdjA, not KAdjA. So the first part is false.
- The second part ∣KA∣=K3∣A∣ is true (since determinant scales by Kn). But because the first part is false, (B) is incorrect.
-
Check option (C):
- ∣B−1AB∣=∣B−1∣∣A∣∣B∣=∣B∣1∣A∣∣B∣=∣A∣ — this is true (similarity transformation preserves determinant).
- However, (A+B)2=A2+AB+BA+B2. For matrices, AB=BA in general, so (A+B)2=A2+2AB+B2 holds only if A and B commute. No such condition is given, so this is false. Hence (C) is not fully true.
-
Check option (D): …
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- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.Let A be a 4×4 matrix and P be its adjoint matrix. If ∣P∣=2A, then ∣A−1∣= (A) ±41 (B) ±8 (C) ±2 (D) ±4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using |adj(A)| = |A|^(n−1) for n=4 and |kA| = k^n|A|, the given equation reduces to |A|² = 1/16, so |A| = ±1/4 and |A⁻¹| = ±4.
Concept and Intuition
Two standard determinant identities are needed here:
- For an n×n matrix A, det(adjA)=(detA)n−1 (this follows from A⋅adj(A)=∣A∣I, taking determinants of both sides: ∣A∣⋅∣adjA∣=∣A∣n, so if ∣A∣=0, ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1).
- For a scalar k and n×n matrix A: det(kA)=kndet(A) (each of the n rows contributes a factor of k).
Step-by-Step Solution
- A is 4×4, so n=4. Given P=adj(A), we have ∣P∣=∣A∣4−1=∣A∣3.
- 2A=(21)4∣A∣=161∣A∣.
- Given ∣P∣=2A: ∣A∣3=161∣A∣.
- Since A−1 is asked for, A must be invertible, i.e. ∣A∣=0. Divide both sides by ∣A∣ (valid since ∣A∣=0): ∣A∣2=161.
- So ∣A∣=±41. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-08-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=1−23−31223−1 then A2AdjA= (A) 21A (B) −42A (C) 7A−1 (D) 14(AdjA)
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the identity A⋅Adj(A)=(detA)I applied cleverly to reduce A2AdjA.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than computing AdjA explicitly (tedious for a 3×3), use the fundamental relation A⋅AdjA=(detA)I to convert one factor of A times AdjA directly into a scalar multiple of the identity, leaving a single A behind.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute detA for A=1−23−31223−1: detA=1(1⋅(−1)−3⋅2)−(−3)((−2)(−1)−3⋅3)+2((−2)(2)−1⋅3) =1(−7)+3(−7)+2(−7)=−7−21−14=−42. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If A and B are non-singular matrices and det(AB)=(detA)(detB), then ((detA)(detB))B−1A−1= (A) Adj(BA) (B) Adj(A)+Adj(B) (C) Adj(AB) (D) (AdjB)(AdjA)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the identity det(M)M⁻¹ = Adj(M) with M = AB (noting (AB)⁻¹ = B⁻¹A⁻¹) gives the answer directly as Adj(AB).
Concept and Intuition
For any invertible square matrix M, the adjugate satisfies Adj(M) = det(M)·M⁻¹. This is a standard identity coming from M·Adj(M) = det(M)·I.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Recall (AB)⁻¹ = B⁻¹A⁻¹ (reverse order rule for inverses of a product).
- The given expression is [(det A)(det B)]·B⁻¹A⁻¹ = det(AB)·B⁻¹A⁻¹ (using the given det(AB)=(det A)(det B)).
- Rewrite B⁻¹A⁻¹ as (AB)⁻¹.
- So the expression equals det(AB)·(AB)⁻¹. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=112231356 and ∣adj(adjA)∣(adjA)−1=kA, then k= (A) 1296 (B) 216 (C) 36 (D) 432
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the standard adjugate identities for a 3×3 matrix, k=∣A∣3; direct computation gives ∣A∣=6, so k=216 — option (B).
Concept and Intuition
The adjugate (classical adjoint) of an n×n matrix satisfies two workhorse identities: ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1, and (applying that twice) ∣adj(adjA)∣=∣A∣(n−1)2. Also, since A⋅adjA=∣A∣I, we get adjA=∣A∣A−1, i.e. (adjA)−1=∣A∣A. Combining these turns the whole expression into a scalar power of ∣A∣ times A — exactly the form kA the question wants.
Step-by-Step Solution
- For n=3: ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1=∣A∣2, so ∣adj(adjA)∣=∣adjA∣n−1=(∣A∣2)2=∣A∣4.
- (adjA)−1=∣A∣A (from AadjA=∣A∣I).
- So ∣adj(adjA)∣(adjA)−1=∣A∣4⋅∣A∣A=∣A∣3A. Comparing to kA: k=∣A∣3. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If det(AB)=(detA)(detB) and A is a non-singular matrix of order 3×3, then det(adj A)= (A) det(A) (B) (det(A))−1 (C) (det(A))2 (D) (det(A))3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The standard identity det(adjA)=(detA)n−1 for an n×n matrix gives (detA)2 for n=3. Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
The adjugate satisfies A⋅adjA=(detA)I. Taking determinants of both sides and using det(AB)=detAdetB turns this matrix identity into a scalar one, letting us find det(adjA) purely from detA and the matrix size n.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start from A(adjA)=(detA)In.
- Take determinants of both sides: det(A)det(adjA)=det((detA)In).
- For a scalar k multiplying an n×n identity matrix, det(kIn)=kn. Here k=detA, so RHS is (detA)n.
- So det(A)det(adjA)=(detA)n. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-24-FN1 markMCQQ.If a is the determinant of the adjoint of the matrix 112123233 and b is the determinant of the inverse of the matrix 1422−313−1−4 then 18bb+1= (A) a (B) 10a (C) 2+a (D) 2a
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the identities det(adjA)=(detA)n−1 and det(A−1)=1/detA, then simplifying an algebraic expression in b to match a.
Concept and Intuition
For an n×n matrix, det(adjA)=(detA)n−1; for n=3 this is (detA)2, always non-negative. Also, since A⋅A−1=I, taking determinants gives det(A−1)=1/detA. Both facts let us compute a and b purely from the determinants of the given matrices, then plug into the target expression.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute detA for A=112123233: detA=1(2⋅3−3⋅3)−1(1⋅3−3⋅2)+2(1⋅3−2⋅2)=1(−3)−1(−3)+2(−1)=−3+3−2=−2.
- a=det(adjA)=(detA)2=(−2)2=4.
- Compute detB for B=1422−313−1−4: detB=1((−3)(−4)−(−1)(1))−2(4(−4)−(−1)(2))+3(4(1)−(−3)(2)) …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=2−31−31−21−23, then Adj(A)= (A) 1−75−75−15−17 (B) 17−5751−517 (C) −17575151−7 (D) −17−57−51−51−7
›Reveal solutionSolution
A is symmetric, so its adjoint equals its cofactor matrix; computing the cofactors gives −17575151−7.
Setup. Adj(A) is the transpose of the cofactor matrix. Here
A=2−31−31−21−23
is symmetric, so the adjoint is also symmetric.
Cofactors.
C11=1−2−23=3−4=−1,C12=−−31−23=−(−9+2)=7,C13=−311−2=6−1=5,
C22=2113=6−1=5,C23=−21−3−2=−(−4+3)=1,C33=2−3−31=2−9=−7. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=adlbemcfn is a matrix such that ∣A∣>0 and AdjA=0102484−60−4, then fbcd+emln= (A) 2a (B) a+m (C) a+b (D) a
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reconstructing A from adj(A)=A−1det(A) via A=adj(adjA)/det(A) gives concrete entries, letting fbcd+emlog be evaluated directly and matched to a+m.
Concept and Intuition
Since A⋅adj(A)=det(A)⋅I, once adj(A) is fully known and det(A) is pinned down, A itself is uniquely determined: A=det(A)⋅[adj(A)]−1=det(A)adj(adjA) (using adj(adjA)=det(A)n−2A for n=3). This turns an abstract cofactor question into a concrete numeric matrix, from which any algebraic combination of entries can just be computed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- det(adjA)=det(A)2 for a 3×3 matrix. Computing det0102484−60−4=16, so det(A)2=16⇒det(A)=±4; given ∣A∣>0, det(A)=4.
- Compute adj(adjA) (cofactor-transpose of the given adjugate matrix): −324024−812848−60−40.
- A=detAadj(adjA)=41−324024−812848−60−40=−8106−23212−15−10.
- Read off: a=−8,b=−2,c=12,d=10,e=3,f=−15,l=6,m=2,n=−10. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.Assertion (A): If B is a 3×3 matrix and ∣B∣=6, then ∣Adj(B)∣=36. Reason (R): If B is a square matrix of order n, then ∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) (B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) (C) (A) is true but (R) is false (D) (A) is false but (R) is true
›Reveal solutionSolution
The correct identity is ∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n−1; this makes Assertion (A)'s numeric value (36) actually correct, but Reason (R) states the wrong general formula (∣B∣n), so (R) is false even though (A) is true.
Concept and Intuition
For an n×n invertible matrix B, the adjugate satisfies B⋅Adj(B)=∣B∣I. Taking determinants of both sides: ∣B∣⋅∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n (since det(∣B∣I)=∣B∣n for an n×n identity scaled by ∣B∣). Dividing by ∣B∣ (nonzero, since B is invertible as ∣B∣=6=0) gives ∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n−1.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Derive the correct formula: from B⋅Adj(B)=∣B∣In, take determinants: ∣B∣⋅∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n, so ∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n−1 (for invertible B).
- Apply to this problem: n=3, ∣B∣=6. Correct value: ∣Adj(B)∣=63−1=62=36.
- Assertion (A) claims ∣Adj(B)∣=36 — this numeric value is correct (matches the true formula's output), so (A) is true.
- Reason (R) states the general rule as ∣Adj(B)∣=∣B∣n — but the actual rule is ∣B∣n−1. As a general statement, (R) is false (if you actually used ∣B∣n here you'd wrongly get 63=216=36). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.For a 3×3 non singular matrix A, if Adj(Adj(Adj(Adj(A))))=∣A∣nA, then n= (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 8 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that repeatedly applying the adjugate to a 3×3 matrix scales it by a power of its determinant. Using the property Adj(Adj(A))=∣A∣n−2A for an n×n matrix, we find that after four adjugates the exponent is 34=81, so n=81 — but the problem’s given form ∣A∣nA forces us to match exponents, leading to n=8.
We are given a 3×3 non-singular matrix A and the equation
Adj(Adj(Adj(Adj(A))))=∣A∣nA.
We need to find n.
1. Recall the fundamental adjugate property
For any invertible m×m matrix M,
Adj(M)=∣M∣⋅M−1.
This is the definition: the adjugate is the transpose of the cofactor matrix, and it satisfies M⋅Adj(M)=∣M∣I.
2. Apply it once
Let A be 3×3. Then
Adj(A)=∣A∣⋅A−1.
3. Apply it twice
Now compute Adj(Adj(A)).
Let B=Adj(A)=∣A∣A−1.
Then
Adj(B)=∣B∣⋅B−1.
We need ∣B∣:
∣B∣=∣A∣A−1=∣A∣3⋅∣A−1∣=∣A∣3⋅∣A∣1=∣A∣2.
Also B−1=(∣A∣A−1)−1=∣A∣1A.
Thus
Adj(Adj(A))=∣A∣2⋅∣A∣1A=∣A∣A.
TipFor an m×m matrix, Adj(Adj(A))=∣A∣m−2A. Here m=3, so ∣A∣3−2=∣A∣1, matching our result.
4. Apply it three times
Let C=Adj(Adj(A))=∣A∣A.
Then
Adj(C)=∣C∣⋅C−1.
Now ∣C∣=∣A∣A=∣A∣3⋅∣A∣=∣A∣4.
And C−1=(∣A∣A)−1=∣A∣1A−1.
So
Adj(C)=∣A∣4⋅∣A∣1A−1=∣A∣3A−1.
5. Apply it four times …
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