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 19 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.If A(adjA)=−2000−2000−2, then ∣adjA∣ equals (A) −2 (B) −4 (C) 4 (D) 8
›Reveal solutionSolution
Now |adj A| = |A|^(n-1) = (-2)^(3-1) = (-2)^2 = 4
Concept: A (adj A) = |A| I_n, and |adj A| = |A|^(n-1).
Here the given product is a 3 x 3 matrix (n = 3):
A (adj A) = [[-2,0,0],[0,-2,0],[0,0,-2]] = -2 I3
Comparing with |A| I3: |A| = -2 …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If A (adjA)=5I, where I is the identity matrix of order 3, then ∣adjA∣=
(A) 5 (B) 125 (C) 25 (D) 10›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that for a square matrix, A(adjA)=∣A∣I. Given A(adjA)=5I and the order is 3, we find ∣A∣=5 and then use ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1=52=25. The correct option is (C).
We start with a fundamental property of adjugates: for any square matrix A of order n,
A(adjA)=(adjA)A=∣A∣I.
This is the definitional relationship — the adjugate is the transpose of the cofactor matrix, and multiplying by A yields a diagonal matrix where every diagonal entry is the determinant ∣A∣.
Here we are told A(adjA)=5I and the order is 3. That means n=3. Comparing with the property, we immediately see that ∣A∣I=5I, so ∣A∣=5.
Now we need ∣adjA∣. There is a well-known formula: for an n×n matrix,
∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1.
Why? Because from A(adjA)=∣A∣I, take determinants of both sides:
∣A∣⋅∣adjA∣=∣A∣n.
If ∣A∣=0 (which it is, since 5 ≠ 0), divide both sides by ∣A∣ to get ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1.
Applying this with n=3 and ∣A∣=5:
∣adjA∣=53−1=52=25. …
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.If A is a square matrix of order 3 such that A(adj A)=−2000−2000−2, then ∣adj A∣= (A) 4 (B) -4 (C) -8 (D) -2
›Reveal solutionSolution
∣A∣=−2, and ∣adjA∣=∣A∣2=4.
For any square matrix, A(adjA)=∣A∣I. Here the product is −2I, so ∣A∣=−2. …
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.If for any 2 × 2 square matrix A, A (adj A) = [8008], then find the value of det (A). (A) 6 (B) 7 (C) 8 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Comparing with |A| I_2, we get |A| = 8, i.e. det(A) = 8.
Concept: For any square matrix A of order n,
A (adj A) = (adj A) A = |A| I_n
Given, for a 2 x 2 matrix,
A (adj A) = [[8, 0], [0, 8]] = 8 * I_2 …
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.If for any 2 × 2 square matrix A, A (adj A) = [8008], then the value of det (A). (A) 6 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) 8
›Reveal solutionSolution
|A| = 8
Concept: For any square matrix A of order n, A (adj A) = (adj A) A = |A| I_n.
Here A is 2 x 2, and
A (adj A) = [[8, 0], [0, 8]] = 8 * [[1, 0], [0, 1]] = 8 I …
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.If A is a matrix of order 4such that A(adjA)=10 I, then ∣adjA∣ is equal to (A) 10 (B) 100 (C) 1000 (D) 10000
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since A(adj A)=∣A∣I=10I, we get ∣A∣=10; then ∣adj A∣=∣A∣n−1=103=1000 for order 4.
Property: A(adj A)=∣A∣I. Comparing with A(adj A)=10I gives ∣A∣=10. …
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.If A=a000a000a, then ∣A∣adjA∣ is equal to (A) a3n (B) a−3n (C) −a3n (D) 2a3n
›Reveal solutionSolution
Either way, the expression evaluates to a^(3n) - a positive power of a, matching option (A). It is certainly positive, so (C) is out, and it is not doubled (D) nor a negative power (B).
Concept: A (adj A) = |A| I, and det(A adj A) = |A|^n.
Here A = a I_3 (a scalar matrix of order n = 3), so |A| = a^3.
Using the identity |A (adj A)| = | |A| I_n | = (|A|)^n = (a^3)^3 = a^9.
Written in terms of n (with n = 3, the order of the matrix), this is a^(3n) (since |A|^n = (a^n)^n = a^(n^2), and for the scalar matrix of order n = 3 the value a^9 = a^(3n)). …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.If A(adjA)=500050005, then the value of ∣A∣+∣adjA∣ is equal to : (A) 5 (B) 25 (C) 125 (D) 30
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that for any square matrix A, A(adjA)=∣A∣I. Here that gives ∣A∣=5, and since ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1 for an n×n matrix, we get ∣adjA∣=52=25. Their sum is 5+25=30, so the answer is (D).
The problem gives us A(adjA)=5I, where I is the 3×3 identity matrix. This is a classic property: for any square matrix A, the product A times its adjugate equals the determinant times the identity. So the scalar on the diagonal is exactly ∣A∣. That means ∣A∣=5 immediately.
Now, we also need ∣adjA∣. There's a neat formula: for an n×n matrix, ∣adjA∣=∣A∣n−1. Here n=3, so ∣adjA∣=52=25.
Thus the sum is 5+25=30.
Let's walk through it step by step.
- Recall the defining property of the adjugate. For any square matrix A, we have
A(adjA)=(adjA)A=∣A∣I.
This is the fundamental relation. The problem gives us the left-hand side explicitly as 5I, so we can directly compare:
∣A∣I=5I⇒∣A∣=5.
- Find ∣adjA∣ using the determinant of both sides. Take determinants of the equation A(adjA)=∣A∣I:
∣A∣⋅∣adjA∣=∣A∣I.
The right-hand side is a scalar matrix: ∣A∣I is ∣A∣ times the identity, so its determinant is (∣A∣)n for an n×n matrix. Here n=3, so
∣A∣I=(∣A∣)3.
Thus
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Value of the determinant of a matrix A of order 3×3 is 7 . Then the value of the determinant formed by the cofactors of matrix A is (A) 7 (B) 49 (C) 14 (D) 343
›Reveal solutionSolution
The determinant of the cofactor matrix (the adjugate) of a 3×3 matrix A equals (detA)n−1=(detA)2. Given detA=7, the answer is 72=49, so option (B).
The key idea is that the matrix of cofactors is intimately linked to the inverse of A. For any square matrix A, the product A⋅(adj A)=(detA)I, where adj A is the transpose of the cofactor matrix. Taking determinants on both sides gives a direct relationship between det(cofactor matrix) and detA.
For an n×n matrix, the determinant of the cofactor matrix (strictly, of the adjugate) is (detA)n−1. Here n=3, so the exponent is 2.
Let’s walk through it carefully.
- Define the cofactor matrix and adjugate. For a 3×3 matrix A, let Cij be the cofactor of entry aij. The cofactor matrix is C=[Cij]. The adjugate (or classical adjoint) is the transpose: adj(A)=CT. The fundamental property is:
A⋅adj(A)=adj(A)⋅A=(detA)I3.
This holds for any square matrix.
- Take determinants of both sides. From A⋅adj(A)=(detA)I3, we have:
det(A⋅adj(A))=det((detA)I3).
The left side, by the product rule, is detA⋅det(adj(A)).
The right side: multiplying a 3×3 identity matrix by the scalar detA gives a diagonal matrix with detA on each diagonal entry. Its determinant is (detA)3.
- Set up the equation.
detA⋅det(adj(A))=(detA)3.
Since detA=7=0, we can divide both sides by detA:
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If P=112α34334 is the adjoint of a 3×3 matrix A and ∣A∣=4 then α is equal to
(A) 11 (B) 4 (C) 0 (D) 5›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that for a 3×3 matrix A, adj(A)=∣A∣A−1, so P must satisfy P=4A−1. Taking determinants gives ∣P∣=42=16, which yields an equation for α. Solving gives α=11, so the correct option is (A).
We are told that P is the adjoint of A, and ∣A∣=4. For any invertible square matrix A, the fundamental relation is
A⋅adj(A)=∣A∣I.
Thus adj(A)=∣A∣A−1. Here P=adj(A), so
P=4A−1.
Taking determinants on both sides:
∣P∣=∣4A−1∣=43∣A−1∣=64⋅∣A∣1=464=16.
So we must have ∣P∣=16. This gives an equation for α.
Now compute ∣P∣:
P=112α34334.
- Expand along the first row:
∣P∣=1⋅3434−α⋅1234+3⋅1234.
- Compute the 2×2 determinants:
3434=3⋅4−3⋅4=0,
1234=1⋅4−3⋅2=4−6=−2.
- Substitute:
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Kiran purchased 3 pencils, 2 notebooks and one pen for ₹41. From the same shop Manasa purchased 2 pencils, one notebook and 2 pens for ₹ 29 , while Shreya purchased 3 pencils, 2 notebooks and 2 pens for ₹ 44. The above situation can be represented in matrix form as AX=B. Then ∣adjA∣ is equal to (A) 9 (B) −9 (C) −1 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The coefficient matrix has detA=−1, and for a 3×3 matrix ∣adjA∣=∣A∣2=1 — option (D).
Set up the system. Let pencil =x, notebook =y, pen =z:
3x+2y+z=41,2x+y+2z=29,3x+2y+2z=44.
So
A=323212122.
Determinant (expand along the first row):
detA=3(1⋅2−2⋅2)−2(2⋅2−2⋅3)+1(2⋅2−1⋅3)
=3(−2)−2(−2)+1(1)=−6+4+1=−1. …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.Matrix A=1111−2022−1, Given M22 and A32 are the minor and cofactor of the adjoint matrix of A respectively then the value of the expression M22+A32−∣adj∣ is: (A) −729 (B) −117 (C) −81 (D) −99
›Reveal solutionSolution
detA=9⇒∣adjA∣=92=81. On the adjoint matrix, M22=−18 and A32=18, so M22+A32−∣adjA∣=−18+18−81=−81. The correct option is (C).
Concept
The minor and cofactor referred to are those of the adjoint matrix, so the adjoint must be built explicitly. Also, for an n×n matrix ∣adjA∣=(detA)n−1, which here gives ∣adjA∣=(detA)2.
Solution
- Determinant. detA=1(2)−1(−3)+2(2)=9.
- ∣adjA∣. (detA)2=81.
- Adjoint. Transposing the cofactor matrix of A, adjA=2321−3160−3. …
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