Q.Find A, if 413A=−4−1−3826413.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Matrix Equation Solving
Solving a System of Equations by the Matrix Method
A system of linear equations can be written as a single matrix equation and solved in one clean step using the inverse of a matrix. This is the Class-12 "matrix method" for simultaneous equations.
Writing the system as AX=B
Take the system
a1x+b1y+c1z=d1,a2x+b2y+c2z=d2,a3x+b3y+c3z=d3.
Collect the coefficients, the unknowns, and the constants into matrices:
A=a1a2a3b1b2b3c1c2c3,X=xyz,B=d1d2d3.
Then the whole system is just
AX=B.
Solving when A is invertible
If det(A)=0, then A−1 exists, and multiplying both sides on the left by A−1 gives
X=A−1B,where A−1=det(A)1adj(A).
So you compute det(A), then adj(A), form A−1, and multiply by B. The single column X=A−1B hands you x, y, z at once, and because A−1 is unique, the solution is unique.
Multiply in the correct order: X=A−1B, not BA−1. Matrix multiplication is not commutative, and BA−1 is not even defined here.
When det(A)=0
If det(A)=0, A−1 does not exist and the inverse method fails. The system is then either inconsistent (no solution) or has infinitely many solutions. Decide which by computing (adjA)B:
- (adjA)B=O → no solution (inconsistent).
- (adjA)B=O → infinitely many solutions (consistent, dependent). …
Concept: Matrix Equation Solving — treat the given 3×1 column vector as a coefficient multiplying an unknown row matrix A.
Let A be a 1×3 row matrix: A=[abc].
The product 413A gives a 3×3 matrix where each row of the result is the row A multiplied by the corresponding entry of the column vector: …
We treat the given matrix equation as a product of a column vector and an unknown row vector A. By comparing entries, we deduce that A must be a 1×3 row matrix, and solving gives A=[−121].
The problem gives us a matrix equation where a 3×1 column vector multiplies an unknown matrix A on its left, producing a 3×3 matrix. The key insight: when a column vector multiplies a matrix on the left, the result is a matrix where each row is a scalar multiple of the rows of A. More precisely, if we let A be a 1×3 row matrix (since the product yields a 3×3 matrix), then the multiplication works as an outer product.
Let’s denote the column vector as v=413 and the given product matrix as P=−4−1−3826413. We need to find A such that vA=P.
-
Determine the shape of A.
v is 3×1. For the product vA to be defined, A must have 1 row (to match the column dimension of v). The result is 3×3, so A must have 3 columns. Hence A is a 1×3 row matrix: A=[abc].
-
Write the product explicitly.
The product vA is:
413[abc]=4a1a3a4b1b3b4c1c3c.
Each entry in row i, column j is vi⋅Aj, where vi is the i-th component of v and Aj is the j-th entry of A.
- Equate to the given matrix. We have: …
Method: Recovering an unknown factor from an outer product
Use this when a known column times an unknown row (or vice versa) equals a given matrix.
Steps
Step 1: Fix the unknown's shape from conformability.
If a 3×1 column times A gives a 3×3 result, then A must be 1×3.
Step 2: Write the product symbolically. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Getting the shape of A wrong.
Why it's wrong: a 3×1 column times A producing a 3×3 result forces A to be 1×3. Correct approach: fix the unknown's order from conformability before solving.
Mistake 2: Solving from one row and skipping the check.
Why it's wrong: values found from the first row (a=−1,b=2,c=1) must also satisfy rows 2 and 3. Correct approach: verify the remaining rows are consistent. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=15−212−136−3, then A+A3+A4+A5+3I= (A) 42−3252163 (B) 45−215−1360 (C) 33−11124−2−1 (D) 42−313−235−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
A's characteristic polynomial is lambda^3=0, so by Cayley-Hamilton A^3=0 (hence A^4=A^5=0 too), collapsing the sum to A+3I, which matches option B.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than computing A3,A4,A5 by repeated multiplication, use the Cayley-Hamilton theorem: every square matrix satisfies its own characteristic equation. If the characteristic polynomial turns out to be λ3=0, we immediately get A3=0, collapsing the higher powers.
Step-by-Step Solution
- tr(A)=1+2+(−3)=0.
- det(A)=1[(2)(−3)−(6)(−1)]−1[(5)(−3)−(6)(−2)]+3[(5)(−1)−(2)(−2)]=1(0)−1(−3)+3(−1)=0+3−3=0.
- Sum of principal 2x2 minors: M11=2−16−3=0; M22=1−23−3=3; M33=1512=−3. Sum =0. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.A=024130203 and B is a matrix such that AB=BA. If AB is not an identity matrix, then the matrix that can be taken as B is (A) −9−612−38−46−4−2 (B) 9−6−12−38−46−42 (C) 9−6−12−384−6−4−2 (D) 9−6−12−3−84−64−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Direct computation is the only reliable way here — multiplying A by each candidate B shows option (D) is the unique one where AB=BA (in fact AB=BA=−30I, a non-identity scalar matrix), so it satisfies every condition in the question.
Concept and Intuition
With no special structure making B an obvious polynomial in A, the only certain way to check "does B commute with A" among four numerically given candidates is to actually multiply both products, AB and BA, and compare entry by entry. The question's extra clause — "if AB is not an identity matrix" — is there to rule out a trivial commuting case (B=A−1 scaled so AB=I), so once we find the candidate that truly commutes, we should double check its product isn't simply I.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=024130203.
- Testing option (D), B=9−6−12−3−84−64−2:
- Compute AB row by row: row 1 of A is (0,1,2), so (AB)1j=0⋅B1j+1⋅B2j+2⋅B3j, giving (AB)1,⋅=(0−6−24,0−8+8,0+4−4)=(−30,0,0). Similarly rows 2 and 3 give (0,−30,0) and (0,0,−30).
- So AB=−30000−30000−30=−30I.
- Compute BA the same way (row of B dotted into columns of A): it also comes out to −30I. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=12354−130−5, B=−1−24 and [x y z]AT=BT, then x+y+z= (A) 4 (B) −2 (C) 6 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Transposing the matrix equation converts it into the ordinary linear system A·v = B, which solves to x=6, y=−7/2, z=7/2, giving x+y+z=6.
Concept and Intuition
"[x y z]Aᵀ = Bᵀ" is a row-vector equation. Taking the transpose of both sides converts it to the more familiar column form: (v Aᵀ)ᵀ = A vᵀ, and (Bᵀ)ᵀ = B. So the equation is equivalent to A·(x,y,z)ᵀ = B, a standard system of 3 linear equations.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A = [[1,5,3],[2,4,0],[3,−1,−5]], B = (−1,−2,4)ᵀ.
- Write the system A(x,y,z)ᵀ = B:
- x + 5y + 3z = −1
- 2x + 4y = −2
- 3x − y − 5z = 4
- From equation 2: 2x+4y=−2 ⟹ x+2y=−1 ⟹ x = −1−2y.
- Substitute into equation 1: (−1−2y)+5y+3z = −1 ⟹ 3y+3z=0 ⟹ z=−y.
- Substitute x and z into equation 3: 3(−1−2y) − y − 5(−y) = 4 ⟹ −3−6y−y+5y = 4 ⟹ −3−2y=4 ⟹ y=−7/2.
- Then x = −1−2(−7/2) = 6, and z = −y = 7/2. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQQ.Let A=[143−3]. Let S={[xy]∈R2/A[xy]=3[xy]} what is the cardinality of S? (A) 1 (B) Countably infinite (C) ∣S∣>1 but S is finite (D) Uncountable
›Reveal solutionSolution
S is the eigenspace for eigenvalue 3; since det(A−3I)=0, it is a nontrivial line through the origin containing infinitely (uncountably) many vectors. Answer: (D).
Concept and Intuition
The condition Av=3v means v is an eigenvector of A for eigenvalue 3 (or the zero vector). The solution set to (A−3I)v=0 is either just {0} (if 3 is not an eigenvalue) or an entire subspace (a line, in 2D) if it is.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A−3I=[1−343−3−3]=[−243−6].
- det(A−3I)=(−2)(−6)−(3)(4)=12−12=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=[211−232−1−3],B=[211−10233] and 2A+3B−5C=O, then C= (A) [2117/56/527/53/5] (B) [−211−7/56/527/53/5] (C) [−2117/56/527/53/5] (D) [211−7/56/527/53/5]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Direct matrix arithmetic: C=(2A+3B)/5, computed entrywise, gives [211−7/56/527/53/5].
Concept and Intuition
This is pure entrywise matrix algebra — scale each matrix, add, then divide by 5 (since 5C=2A+3B).
Step-by-Step Solution
- 2A=[422−464−2−6].
- 3B=[633−30699].
- 2A+3B=[1055−761073].
- C=51(2A+3B)=[211−7/56/527/53/5]. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-AN1 markMCQQ.What are the values of (x,y,z,t) where 3[xzyt]=[x−162t]+[4z+tx+y3]=? (A) (2,4,3,1) (B) (2,4,1,3) (C) (1,3,2,4) (D) (1,3,4,2)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Equating corresponding entries on both sides of the matrix equation and solving the resulting simple linear equations gives (x,y,z,t)=(2,4,1,3).
Concept and Intuition
Two matrices are equal exactly when every corresponding entry is equal. Setting up the entry-wise equations turns a matrix equation into a small system of linear equations, which can usually be solved one variable at a time by picking the simplest equation first.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Left side: 3[xzyt]=[3x3z3y3t].
- Right side (sum of the two given matrices): [x−162t]+[4z+tx+y3]=[x+4−1+z+t6+x+y2t+3].
- Equate the (1,1) entries: 3x=x+4⇒2x=4⇒x=2.
- Equate the (2,2) entries: 3t=2t+3⇒t=3.
- Equate the (1,2) entries: 3y=6+x+y⇒2y=6+x=6+2=8⇒y=4. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-AN1 markMCQQ.A=a2123515b2613141c2 and B=2a2132b4582c−3 are two matrices such that the sum of the principal diagonal elements of both A and B are equal, then the product of the principal diagonal elements of B is ________ (A) 4 (B) 0 (C) −4 (D) −12
›Reveal solutionSolution
Equating the traces of A and B forces (a−1)2+(b−1)2+(c−1)2=0, so a=b=c=1; substituting into B's diagonal product gives 2×2×(−1)=−4.
Concept and Intuition
When an equation reduces to a sum of squares equal to zero, each square must individually be zero (since squares of real numbers are never negative) — this is a very common and powerful trick to pin down exact values of multiple unknowns from a single scalar equation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Trace (sum of principal diagonal elements) of A: a2+b2+c2.
- Trace of B: 2a+2b+(2c−3).
- Given these are equal: a2+b2+c2=2a+2b+2c−3.
- Rearrange: a2−2a+b2−2b+c2−2c+3=0.
- Complete the square for each variable: (a2−2a+1)+(b2−2b+1)+(c2−2c+1)=0, i.e., (a−1)2+(b−1)2+(c−1)2=0.
- Since each square term is ≥0 and they sum to zero, each must be exactly zero: a=1, b=1, c=1. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.If [x4−1]210102024x4−1=0, then x= (A) −1+6 (B) 8±5 (C) −2±10 (D) 3±6
›Reveal solutionSolution
Expanding the quadratic form gives the quadratic equation x^2+4x-6=0, whose roots are -2 +/- sqrt(10).
Concept and Intuition
A quadratic form v^T M v expands into a scalar quadratic expression; here only x is unknown, so the result reduces to an ordinary quadratic equation in x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute M[x,4,−1]T: Row1: 2x+4; Row2: x−2; Row3: 8−4=4.
- Dot with [x,4,−1]: x(2x+4)+4(x−2)+(−1)(4)=2x2+4x+4x−8−4.
- Simplify: 2x2+8x−12=0.
- Divide by 2: x2+4x−6=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.In solving a system of linear equations AX=B by Cramer's rule, in the usual notation, if Δ1=−11−45111−7−21 and Δ3=414111−11−45, then X= (A) −112 (B) 21−1 (C) 1−12 (D) 12−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reconstructing the coefficient matrix and RHS vector from the shared columns of Δ1,Δ3 and computing Δ,Δ1,Δ2,Δ3 gives X=(1,−1,2).
Concept and Intuition
In Cramer's rule for AX=B, Δi is formed by replacing the i-th column of A with B, keeping the other columns unchanged. So Δ1's columns 2,3 and Δ3's columns 1,2 are literally the ORIGINAL matrix A's corresponding columns — comparing the two given determinants lets us recover the full system.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Δ1=−11−45111−7−21: column 2 = original A's column 2 =(1,1,1)T; column 3 = original A's column 3 =(−7,−2,1)T; column 1 =B=(−11,−4,5)T.
- Δ3=414111−11−45: column 1 = original A's column 1 =(4,1,4)T; column 2 = same (1,1,1)T (consistent); column 3 =B=(−11,−4,5)T (matches Δ1's column 1, confirming B).
- Reconstructed system: A=414111−7−21, B=−11−45.
- Δ=det(A)=4(1⋅1−(−2)⋅1)−1(1⋅1−(−2)⋅4)+(−7)(1⋅1−1⋅4)=4(3)−1(9)−7(−3)=12−9+21=24. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=(3546) and B=(x00y), x,y∈N, then (A) There is exactly one such matrix B such that AB = I (B) There is no matrix B such that AB = BA (C) There exist only a finite number of matrices B such that AB = BA (D) There exist infinite number of matrices B such that AB = BA
›Reveal solutionSolution
Multiplying out AB and BA shows they're equal exactly when x=y, and since x,y can be any of the infinitely many natural numbers with x=y, there are infinitely many commuting diagonal matrices B.
Concept and Intuition
For a diagonal matrix B=diag(x,y) multiplying a general matrix A on the left vs. right scales A's rows vs. columns differently — AB scales A's columns by x,y respectively, and BA scales A's rows by x,y respectively. So AB=BA becomes a condition relating how each off-diagonal entry of A gets scaled from each side, and typically forces the diagonal entries of B to be equal whenever the off-diagonal entries of A are both non-zero (as they are here).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute AB=(3546)(x00y)=(3x5x4y6y) (this scales each column of A by x then y).
- Compute BA=(x00y)(3546)=(3x5y4x6y) (this scales each row of A by x then y).
- Set AB=BA entrywise: (1,1): 3x=3x (always true); (1,2): 4y=4x⇒x=y; (2,1): 5x=5y⇒x=y (same condition); (2,2): 6y=6y (always true).
- So the only requirement is x=y, with x,y∈N. Since x can be 1,2,3,… (infinitely many choices, each giving a valid B with x=y), there are infinitely many such matrices B. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=233323332, then A2−8I= (A) 0 (B) 8A (C) 7A (D) 5A
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to compute A2 directly and then subtract 8I; the result simplifies to 5A, so the correct option is (D).
We start with the matrix
A=233323332.
The problem asks for A2−8I. Instead of guessing, we can compute A2 by matrix multiplication and then subtract 8 times the identity. This is a straightforward algebraic check — no need for eigenvalues or characteristic polynomials here, though those would also work.
- Compute A2
Multiply A by itself. The (i,j) entry of A2 is the dot product of row i of A with column j of A.
- For diagonal entries (e.g., (1,1)):
(2)(2)+(3)(3)+(3)(3)=4+9+9=22.
By symmetry, all diagonal entries are $22$.- For off-diagonal entries (e.g., (1,2)):
(2)(3)+(3)(2)+(3)(3)=6+6+9=21.
Again by symmetry, every off-diagonal entry is $21$.So
A2=222121212221212122.
- Subtract 8I The identity matrix I has 1’s on the diagonal and 0’s elsewhere. Thus
A2−8I=22−821212122−821212122−8=142121211421212114.
- Compare with multiples of A Notice that A is
A=233323332.
Multiply A by 5:
- Compute A2
Multiply A by itself. The (i,j) entry of A2 is the dot product of row i of A with column j of A.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.Let A=0−68, B=3065−1−1−780 and X=xyz. If D=[α β γ]T is the solution of XTBT=AT, then DTA= (A) 0 (B) 4 (C) −2 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests matrix-equation manipulation via transposes: XTBT=AT is just (BX)T=AT, i.e. BX=A. Solve the resulting linear system, then take the dot product DTA. Answer: 4.
Concept and Intuition
The transpose of a product reverses order: (BX)T=XTBT. So the given equation XTBT=AT is really (BX)T=AT, and taking the transpose of both sides gives BX=A — an ordinary linear system for the unknown column X=(x,y,z)T. Once X=D is found, DTA is just the plain dot product of two column vectors.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Transpose: XTBT=AT⇒(BX)T=AT⇒BX=A.
- Write B=3065−1−1−780, A=0−68. The system is: 3x+5y−7z=0 −y+8z=−6 6x−y=8
- From the second equation: y=8z+6.
- Substitute into the third: 6x−(8z+6)=8⇒6x−8z=14⇒3x−4z=7⇒x=37+4z. …
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