Q.If for a square matrix A, A.(adjA)=202500020250002025, then the value of ∣A∣+∣adjA∣ is equal to:
(A) 1
(B) 2025+1
(C) (2025)2+45
(D) 2025+(2025)2
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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: Adjoint Matrix Property — For any n×n matrix A,
A⋅(adj A)=∣A∣In.
Here n=3, and the given product is 2025I3.
Thus ∣A∣=2025.
For a 3×3 matrix, ∣adj A∣=∣A∣n−1=∣A∣2=(2025)2.
Therefore, …
The key idea is that A⋅(adj A)=∣A∣In for any square matrix. Here, the given product equals 2025I3, so ∣A∣=2025. Then ∣adj A∣=∣A∣n−1=20252, and the sum is 2025+20252, matching option (D).
We start with a fundamental property of adjoint matrices. For any square matrix A of order n, the product of A and its adjoint is always a scalar matrix — specifically, the determinant of A times the identity matrix. That is:
A⋅(adj A)=∣A∣In
This is not a coincidence; it comes from the fact that each entry of A⋅(adj A) is the expansion of a determinant along a row (or column), giving ∣A∣ on the diagonal and zero elsewhere. This single relation unlocks the entire problem.
Now, look at what we are given:
A⋅(adj A)=202500020250002025
This is clearly 2025 times the 3×3 identity matrix. So we have:
A⋅(adj A)=2025I3
Comparing this with the formula A⋅(adj A)=∣A∣I3, we immediately see that:
∣A∣=2025
That is the first piece. Now we need ∣adj A∣.
There is another standard result: for an n×n matrix A, the determinant of its adjoint is ∣A∣n−1. Let’s see why this is true.
›Proof
Start from A⋅(adj A)=∣A∣In. Take determinants on both sides:
∣A⋅(adj A)∣=∣A∣In
The left side is ∣A∣⋅∣adj A∣ (since det(XY)=detX⋅detY). The right side is ∣A∣n because the determinant of a scalar matrix cIn is cn. So:
∣A∣⋅∣adj A∣=∣A∣n
If ∣A∣=0, we can divide both sides by ∣A∣ to get:
∣adj A∣=∣A∣n−1 …
Method: Chaining |A| and |adj A| from a Given Scalar Matrix A(adj A)
This method handles any question that gives you the matrix A⋅adj(A) as a scalar multiple of the identity and asks for some combination of ∣A∣ and ∣adjA∣.
Steps
Step 1: Read off |A| directly from the given product
Since A⋅adj(A)=∣A∣In always, if you are told A⋅adj(A)=kIn for some number k, then immediately ∣A∣=k — no computation needed, just matching the identity to the given matrix.
Step 2: Use the order relation to get |adj A| …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using exponent n instead of n−1 for ∣adj A∣
Why it's wrong: for a 3×3 matrix, ∣adj A∣=∣A∣n−1=∣A∣2, not ∣A∣3 — using the wrong power gives ∣adj A∣=20253 and a completely wrong final sum. Correct approach: always subtract one from the order before applying the exponent; here n=3 gives ∣adj A∣=20252.
Mistake 2: Stopping after finding only one of ∣A∣ or ∣adj A∣
Why it's wrong: the question asks for the sum ∣A∣+∣adj A∣, but a student who correctly finds ∣A∣=2025 can forget the question isn't just asking for ∣A∣ and pick an option matching only that value. Correct approach: compute both quantities separately (∣A∣=2025, ∣adj A∣=20252) and add them before matching an option.
Mistake 3: Confusing A(adj A) with ∣adj A∣ …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=a1c1212b3 and AdjA=7−31−19−3−555 then a2+b2+c2= (A) 10 (B) 14 (C) 11 (D) 29
›Reveal solutionSolution
Each entry of AdjA is the corresponding cofactor of A, transposed: (AdjA)ij=Cji. Writing out these equations pins down a,b,c uniquely. Answer: a2+b2+c2=10.
Concept and Intuition
AdjA is the transpose of the cofactor matrix of A. So (AdjA)ij=Cji(A) where Cji is the cofactor obtained by deleting row j and column i of A. Comparing entries of the given AdjA to cofactors computed from the unknown entries a,b,c of A gives a solvable (over-determined but consistent) system.
Step-by-Step Solution
- With A=a1c1212b3, compute cofactor C11=21b3=6−b. This equals (AdjA)11=7⇒b=−1.
- Cofactor C31=122b=b−4. This equals (AdjA)13=−5⇒b−4=−5⇒b=−1 (consistent).
- Cofactor C12=−1cb3=bc−3, equal to (AdjA)21=−3⇒bc=0. With b=−1, get c=0.
- Cofactor C22=ac23=3a−2c, equal to (AdjA)22=9⇒3a−0=9⇒a=3. …
- 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-2026-05-15-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 …
- 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-2022-07-08-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 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 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-2025-05-24-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 2021Set eng-2021-10-05-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=−122−21−2−2−21 then adj(A)=? (A) 2AT (B) AT (C) 3AT (D) 4AT
›Reveal solutionSolution
A's rows are mutually orthogonal with equal norm, so AAT=9I; combined with detA=27, this gives adj(A)=3AT directly, without computing all nine cofactors.
Concept and Intuition
For any invertible square matrix, adj(A)=det(A)A−1. If A happens to have orthogonal rows of equal length (a scaled orthogonal matrix), AAT collapses to a scalar multiple of I, instantly giving A−1 (and hence the adjugate) without a full cofactor expansion.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=−122−21−2−2−21. Compute detA by cofactor expansion along row 1: detA=−1(1⋅1−(−2)(−2))−(−2)(2⋅1−(−2)⋅2)+(−2)(2(−2)−1⋅2) =−1(1−4)+2(2+4)−2(−4−2)=3+12+12=27. …
- 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-2024-05-21-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. …
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