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 19 on this concept.
- 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. …
- 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 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.Given P=211α23123 is the adjoint of a 3×3 matrix A and ∣A∣=3, then the value of α is: (A) 7 (B) -25 (C) -8 (D) -26
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that for any square matrix A, we have A⋅adj(A)=∣A∣I. Given P=adj(A) and ∣A∣=3, we can multiply A by P and equate to 3I to solve for α. The value is α=−8, so option (C) is correct.
We start with the fundamental relationship between a matrix and its adjoint. For any 3×3 matrix A,
A⋅adj(A)=∣A∣I
where I is the identity matrix. Here we are told P=adj(A) and ∣A∣=3, so
A⋅P=3I.
This means P is essentially the inverse of A scaled by 3. But we don't know A directly — we only know P. However, we can use the fact that the determinant of P is related to ∣A∣:
∣P∣=∣adj(A)∣=∣A∣n−1=32=9.
That gives us an equation in α directly, without needing A at all.
- Compute ∣P∣ in terms of α.
P=211α23123
Expand along the first row:
∣P∣=2⋅2323−α⋅1123+1⋅1123.
Compute each minor:
- 2323=(2)(3)−(2)(3)=0.
- 1123=(1)(3)−(2)(1)=1.
So:
∣P∣=2⋅0−α⋅1+1⋅1=−α+1. …
- 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 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If A=[5a3−b2] and AadjA=AAt, then 5a+b is equal to
(A) 5 (B) −1 (C) 4 (D) 13›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to use the property AadjA=∣A∣I and equate it to AAt, then compare entries to solve for a and b. The result is 5a+b=5.
We are given
A=(5a3−b2)
and the condition
AadjA=AAt.
We need 5a+b.
Concept and Intuition
For any square matrix A, a fundamental identity is
AadjA=∣A∣I,
where ∣A∣ is the determinant and I is the identity matrix. This is often faster than computing the adjugate explicitly. The right-hand side AAt is a product we can compute directly. So we set
∣A∣I=AAt,
which gives us a system of equations by comparing entries.
Step-by-step solution
- Compute ∣A∣
∣A∣=(5a)(2)−(−b)(3)=10a+3b.
- Write the left-hand side
AadjA=∣A∣I=(10a+3b)(1001)=(10a+3b0010a+3b).
- Compute AAt First, At=(5a−b32). Then
AAt=(5a3−b2)(5a−b32)=((5a)(5a)+(−b)(−b)(3)(5a)+(2)(−b)(5a)(3)+(−b)(2)(3)(3)+(2)(2)).
Simplify each entry:
- Top-left: 25a2+b2
- Top-right: 15a−2b
- Bottom-left: 15a−2b (same)
- Bottom-right: 9+4=13
So
AAt=(25a2+b215a−2b15a−2b13).
- Equate the two matrices From AadjA=AAt we have:
(10a+3b0010a+3b)=(25a2+b215a−2b15a−2b13).
This gives three equations (the off-diagonals give the same condition):
- (1) 10a+3b=25a2+b2
- (2) 0=15a−2b → 15a=2b → b=215a
- (3) 10a+3b=13
- Solve the system From (2): b=215a. …
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