Q.If A is an invertible matrix of order 2, then det(A−1) is equal to (A) det(A) (B) det(A)1 (C) 1 (D) 0
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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. …
Concept: Determinant of an inverse matrix.
For any invertible matrix A, we know AA−1=I. Taking determinants on both sides:
det(AA−1)=det(I)
Since det(AB)=det(A)det(B) and det(I)=1, we get:
det(A)⋅det(A−1)=1
Therefore:
det(A−1)=det(A)1 …
The determinant of the inverse of a matrix is the reciprocal of the determinant of the original matrix. For an invertible 2×2 matrix A, det(A−1)=det(A)1, so the correct option is (B).
The key here is a fundamental property connecting the determinant of a matrix and its inverse. If you understand why this property holds, you never need to memorise it — it follows directly from the definition of an inverse.
The core idea: For any invertible matrix A, we have AA−1=I, where I is the identity matrix. Taking determinants on both sides gives det(AA−1)=det(I). Since the determinant of a product is the product of the determinants, and det(I)=1, we get det(A)⋅det(A−1)=1. Rearranging gives det(A−1)=det(A)1.
This reasoning works for any square matrix, not just order 2. The order being 2 is just a detail — the property is universal.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
- Start with the definition of an inverse. If A is invertible, there exists a matrix A−1 such that
AA−1=I,
where I is the identity matrix of the same order (here, 2×2).
- Take the determinant of both sides. The determinant is a function that respects multiplication: for any two square matrices X and Y of the same order,
det(XY)=det(X)⋅det(Y).
Applying this to our equation:
det(AA−1)=det(I).
- Use the product property. The left side becomes det(A)⋅det(A−1). The right side is det(I). For a 2×2 identity matrix,
I=(1001),
and its determinant is 1⋅1−0⋅0=1. So we have:
det(A)⋅det(A−1)=1.
- Solve for det(A−1). …
Method: Determinant of an Inverse Matrix
This method derives the relationship between det(A−1) and det(A) from the defining property of an inverse, so it applies to a matrix of any order, not just order 2.
Steps
Step 1: Start from the defining relation AA−1=I
Every invertible matrix satisfies this by definition.
Step 2: Take the determinant of both sides
det(AA−1)=det(I)
Use det(XY)=det(X)det(Y) on the left, and det(I)=1 on the right:
det(A)⋅det(A−1)=1
Step 3: Solve for det(A−1) …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Choosing det(A) itself instead of its reciprocal
Why it's wrong: option (A) tempts students who recall "there's a relationship between detA and detA−1" but misremember which way it goes — the correct relationship, from det(A)det(A−1)=det(I)=1, is a reciprocal, not equality. Correct approach: re-derive it from AA−1=I and the product rule for determinants each time, rather than recalling the answer from memory.
Mistake 2: Assuming a sign change is involved …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- 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-2025-05-26-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 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 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 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 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 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): …
-
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.If P and Q are two 3×3 matrices such that ∣PQ∣=1 and ∣P∣=9, then the determinant of adjoint of the matrix P⋅Adj3Q is (A) 94 (B) 941 (C) 92 (D) 921
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using ∣Q∣=1/∣P∣⋅∣PQ∣, the scaling property Adj(kA)=kn−1AdjA, and ∣AdjM∣=∣M∣n−1 for 3×3 matrices gives 94.
Concept and Intuition
For an n×n matrix, ∣kA∣=kn∣A∣, Adj(kA)=kn−1AdjA, and ∣AdjA∣=∣A∣n−1. Chaining these scaling rules for n=3 solves the problem without ever computing P or Q explicitly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- ∣PQ∣=∣P∣∣Q∣=1⇒∣Q∣=1/9 (since ∣P∣=9).
- Adj(3Q)=33−1AdjQ=9AdjQ.
- Let M=P⋅Adj(3Q)=9(P⋅AdjQ).
- ∣P⋅AdjQ∣=∣P∣⋅∣AdjQ∣=∣P∣⋅∣Q∣3−1=9⋅(91)2=819=91.
- ∣M∣=93⋅∣P⋅AdjQ∣=729⋅91=81=92. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=125−2−60254 then Adj A = (A) −2417308−6−102−12 (B) −2417−308−61021−2 (C) −2417308−6−102−1−2 (D) 24−1730−8−6−1021−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Computing every 2×2 cofactor of A and transposing the resulting cofactor matrix gives the adjugate, which matches option (C) exactly.
Concept and Intuition
The adjugate (classical adjoint) of a 3×3 matrix is the transpose of its cofactor matrix: Adj(A)=CT, where Cij=(−1)i+jMij and Mij is the minor obtained by deleting row i and column j. This requires carefully computing all nine 2×2 minors with correct alternating signs.
Step-by-Step Solution
For A=125−2−60254, compute each cofactor:
C11=+−6054=(−24−0)=−24
C12=−2554=−(8−25)=17
C13=+25−60=(0−(−30))=30
C21=−−2024=−(−8−0)=8
C22=+1524=(4−10)=−6
C23=−15−20=−(0−(−10))=−10
C31=+−2−625=(−10−(−12))=2
C32=−1225=−(5−4)=−1
C33=+12−2−6=(−6−(−4))=−2 …
- 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 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 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. …
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