Q.

1 If α, β, γ are the roots of x3 + px2 + q = 0, where q ≠ 0, then

1/ α 1/ β 1/ γ
∆ = 1 / β 1 / γ 1 / α equals-
1/ γ 1/ α 1/ β

(A) –p/q (B) 1/q (C) p2/q (D) None of these

Sol.[D]We have βγ + γα + αβ = 0
We can write ∆ as
βγ γα αβ
1
∆= γα αβ βγ
α 3β 3 γ 3
αβ βγ γα

βγ + γα + αβ γα αβ
1
= γα + αβ + βγ αβ βγ
α 3β 3 γ 3
αβ + βγ + γα βγ γα

[using C1 → C1 + C2 + C3]
0 γα αβ
1
= 3 3 3
0 αβ βγ = 0 [all zero property].
α β γ
0 βγ γα

Q.2 If α, β, γ are different from 1 and are the roots of ax3 + bx2
25
+ cx + d = 0 and (β – γ) (γ – α) (α – β) = , then the determinant ∆ =
2
α β γ
1− α 1− β 1− γ
α β γ equals:
2 2 2
α β γ

25d 25d −25d

(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
2a a a+b+c+d

Sol.[D]Taking α, β, γ common from C1, C2, C3 respectively, we get

1 1 1
1− α 1−β 1− γ
∆ = αβγ 1 1 1
α β γ

1 1 1 1 1
− −
1− α 1− β 1− α 1− γ 1− α
= αβγ 1 0 0
α β−α γ−α

1
 [using C2 → C2 – C1 and C3 → C3 – C1]
αβγ (–1) (β − α)( γ − α) 1 − γ 1 − β
=
(1 − α)(1 − β)(1 − γ ) 1 1
αβγ (α – β) (β − γ )( γ − α )
=
(1 − α )(1 − β)(1 − γ )

As α, β, γ are the roots of

ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0,
ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = a(x – α) (x – β) (x – γ)
and αβγ = –d/a
(−d / a )(25 / 2) 25 d
Thus, ∆ = =– .
(a + b + c + d ) / a 2 (a + b + c + d )

Q.3 The value of θ for which the system of equations

(sin 3θ) x – 2y + 3z = 0
(cos 2θ) x + 8y – 7z = 0
2x + 14y – 11z = 0
has a non-trivial solution is -
(A) nπ (B) nπ + (–1)n π/3 (C) nπ + (–1)n π/8 (D) None of these
Sol.[A]The system of equations has a non-trivial solution if and only if
sin 3θ −2 3
cos 2θ 8 −7 =0
2 14 − 11

Applying R2 → R2 + 4R1, R3 → R3 + 7R1, we get

sin 3θ −2 3
cos 2θ + 4 sin 3θ 0 5 =0
2 + 7 sin 3θ 0 10

Expanding along C2, we get

2(cos 2θ + 4 sin 3θ) – (2 + 7 sin 3θ) = 0
⇒ 2 – 2 cos 2θ – sin 3θ = 0
⇒ 4 sin2 θ – (3 sin θ – 4 sin3 θ) = 0
⇒ sin θ (4 sin2 θ + 4 sin θ – 3) = 0
⇒ sin θ (2 sin θ – 1) (2 sin θ + 3) = 0
⇒ sin θ = 0 or sin θ = 1/2.
[∵ sin θ = –3/2 is non possible]

2
 ∴ For, θ = nπ the system of equations has a non-trivial solution.

1 + sin 2 x cos 2 x 4 cos 2 x

Q.4 If ∆ = sin 2 x 1 + cos 2 x 4 sin 2 x then the maximum
2 2 2
sin x cos x 1 + 4 sin x

value of ∆ is -

(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 10

Sol.[B] Apply C1 + C2 and then apply R2 – R1 and R3 – R1 and expand
∆ = 2 + 4 sin 2x
The maximum value of sin 2x is 1 and hence of ∆ is 6.

p b c
p q
Q.5 If a ≠ p, b ≠ q, c ≠ r and a q c = 0, then + +
p−a q−b
a b r
r
is equal to-
r−c

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) –1 (D) 2

Sol.[D]Apply R1 – R2, R2 – R3
p−a b−q 0
∆= 0 q−b c−r = 0
a b r

= (p – a) [(q – b) r – b (c – r)] + a (b – q) (c – r) = 0
Dividing by (p – a) (q – b) (c – r), we get
r b a
– – =0
c−r q−b p−a

a b r
or + + =0
p−a q−b r −c

a b r
or +1+ +1+ =1+1
p−a q−b r−c

p q r
or + + = 2.
p−a q−b r−c

Q.6 The value of θ lying between θ = 0 and π/2 and satisfying

1 + sin 2 θ cos 2 θ 4 sin 4θ
2 2
the equation sin θ 1 + cos θ 4 sin 4θ = 0 are -
sin 2 θ cos 2 θ 1 + 4 sin 4θ

3
 (A) 7π/24 (B) 5π/24 (C) 11π/24 (D) π/24
Sol.[A,C]
Apply C1 + C2
2 cos 2 θ 4 sin 4θ
2
∆ = 2 1 + cos θ 4 sin 4θ =0
1 cos 2 θ 1 + 4 sin 4θ

Now applying R2 – R1 and R3 – R1

2 cos 2 θ 4 sin 4θ
∆= 0 1 0 =0
−1 0 1

or 2 + 4 sin 4θ = 0 by expansion with R2

or sin 4θ = –1/2 = – sin(π/6) = sin (–π/6)
6n − (−1) n
∴ 4θ = nπ + (–1)n  −  ∴ θ =
π
π
 6 24

The value of θ lying between 0 and π/2 are 7π/24 and 11π/24 for n = 1 and 2.

Q.7 The values of λ for which the system of equations

x+y–3=0
(1 + λ)x + (2 + λ)y – 8 = 0
x – (1 + λ)y + (2 + λ) = 0
is consistent are -
(A) –5/3, 1 (B) 2/3, –3 (C) –1/3, –3 (D) 0, 0 1
Sol.[A]The given system of equations will be consistent if
1 1 −3
∆ = 1+ λ 2+λ −8 =0
1 − (1 + λ) 2 + λ

Applying C2 → C2 – C1 and C3 → C3 + 3 C1 ,
1 0 0
we get ∆ = 1 + λ − 5 + 3λ = 0
1
1 −2–λ 5+λ

⇒ (5 + λ) + (2 + λ) (3λ – 5) = 0

4
 ⇒ 5 + λ + 6λ – 10 + 3λ2 – 5λ = 0
⇒ 3λ2 + 2λ – 5 = 0 ⇒ (3λ + 5) (λ – 1) = 0
⇒ λ = –5/3 or λ = 1.

Q.8 Let m be a positive integer and ∆r

m
2r − 1 Cr 1 m
= m −1 2
2 2
2
2
m
m +1
2
= (0 ≤ r ≤ m) then the value of ∑ ∆ r is given
sin (m ) sin (m) sin (m + 1) r =0

by -

(A) 0 (B) m2 – 1 (C) 2m (D) 2m sin2 (2m)

m
Sol.[A] ∑ (2r − 1) = sum of (m + 1) terms of an A.P.
r =0

whose first term is –1, d = 2 ∴ S = m2 – 1

m
∑ m C r = sum of binomial coefficient = 2m
r =0

∑1 = m + 1 ∴ R1 and R2 will be identical and hence ∆ = 0.

Q.9 If the three digit numbers A28, 3B9 and 62C when A, B
and C are integers between 0 and 9 which are divisible by λ, then ∆ =
A 3 6
8 9 C is divisible by -
2 B 2

(A) λ (B) λ2 (C) 2λ (D) None

Sol.[A]A28 = 100A + 2 . 10 + 8.
Apply R2 + 10R3 + 100R1 etc.
A 3 6
∆ = λk1 λk 2 λk 3 = λ∆1
2 B 2

∴ ∆ is divisible by λ.

sin x . cos y sin x . sin y cos x

Q.10 If ∆ = cos x . cos y cos x . sin y − sin x , then ∆ is independent of -
− sin x . sin y sin x . cos y 0

(A) x (B) y (C) constant (D) None of these

Sol.[B] Take sin x, cos x and sin x common from R1, R2 and R3 respectively

5
 cos y sin y cot x
2
∴ ∆ = sin x . cos x cos y sin y − tan x
− sin y cos y 0

Make two zeros by R1 – R2

0 0 cot x + tan x
2
= sin x cos x cos y sin y − tan x
− sin y cos y 0

sin 2 x + cos 2 x
= sin2 x . cos x .
sin x . cos x

[cos2 y + sin2 y]
= sin x, which is independent of y.

Q.11 f(n), g(n), and h(n) are second degree polynomials in n having n + 2 as a
n
common factor then value of ∑ ∆ r is, where ∆r =
r =1
2r + 1 6 n ( n + 2) f (n )
r −1 n +1
2 3 .2 −6 g(n )
r (n − r + 1) n (n + 1)(n + 2) h (n )

2 n (n ) (n + 1) (n + 2) n (n + 1) (n + 2)
(A) (B)
6 12
(2 n − 1) (n + 1)
(C) (D) None of these
3

Sol.[D]We have to find the sum of n determinants whose second and third columns
are the same for all determinants. Hence, we use the sum of determinants.
n
∑ ∆ r = ∆1 + ∆2 + … + ∆n
r =1
2 .1 + 1 6n (n + 2) f (n ) 2.2 + 1 6n (n + 2) f (n )
0 n +1 1 n +1
= + 2 3.2 −6 g(n ) + 2 3.2 −6 g(n ) …
1.(n + 1 − 1) n (n + 1) (n + 2) h (n ) 2(n + 1 − 2) n (n + 1) (n + 2) h (n )

to n determinants
2(1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n ) + (1 + 1 + ... + 1) 6 n ( n + 2) f (n )
= 2 0 + 21 + 2 2 + ... + 2 n −1 g(n ) + …. 3.2 n +1 − 6
1.(n + 1 − 1) + 2(n + 1 − 2) + ... + n (n + 1 − n ) n (n + 1) (n + 2) h (n )

6
 n (n + 1)
+n
2. 6n (n + 2) f (n )
2
2n − 1
= 3(2 n +1 − 2) g(n )
2 −1
2 2 2
(n + 1)(1 + 2 + ... + n ) − (1 + 2 + ... + n ) n (n + 1) (n + 2) h (n )

n ( n + 2) 6 n ( n + 2) f (n )
= 2n − 1 6(2 n − 1) g(n )
n (n + 1) n (n + 1)(2n + 1) n (n + 1) (n + 2)
(n + 1) − 6. h (n )
2 6 6

n (n + 2) n ( n + 2) f (n )
= 6. 2n − 1 2n − 1 g(n )
n (n + 1) n (n + 1) (n + 2)
( n + 2) h (n )
6 6

= 6 × 0 (∵ C1 ≡ C2)
=0
n
∴ ∑ ∆ r is independent of n.
r =1

r −1 n 6 n
Q.12 If ∆r = (r − 1) 2
2n 2
4n − 2 then ∑ ∆ r equals -
(r − 1) 3 3n 2 3n 2 − 3n r =1

1
(A) n2(n + 1) (B) n(n + 1)2 (C) n(n3 + 1) (D) None of these
12
Sol.[D]Using the sum property of determinants, we get
n
∑ (r − 1) n 6
r =1
n n
∑ ∆ r = ∑ (r − 1) 2 2n 2 4n − 2
r =1 r =1
n
∑ (r − 1)3 3n 3 3n 2 − 3n
r =1

n
∑ (r − 1) = 2
1
But n (n – 1),
r =1
n
∑ (r − 1) 2 =
1
n (n – 1) (2n – 1) and
6
r =1

7
 n
∑ (r − 1)3 = 4 n2 (n – 1)2. Thus,
1
r =1

1
n (n − 1) n 6
n 2
∑ ∆r =
1
n (n − 1)(2n − 1) 2n 2 4n − 2
6
r =1
1 2
n (n − 1) 2 3n 3 3n 2 − 3n
4

1
Taking n (n – 1) common from C1 and n from C2, we get
12

n 6 1 6
∑
1
∆ r = n (n – 1) (n) 2(2n − 1) 2n 4n − 2
12
r =1 3n (n − 1) 3n 2 3n 2 − 3n

1
= n (n – 1) (n) (0) = 0 [∵ C1 and C3 are identical].
12

Q.13 If the system of equations λx1 + x2 + x3 = 1, x1 + λx2 + x3 = 1, x1 + x2 + λx3 =

1 is consistent, then λ can be-
(A) 5 (B) –2/3 (C) –3 (D) None of these
λ 1 1 λ+2 1 1
Sol.[D]Let ∆ = 1 λ 1 = λ + 2 λ 1
1 1 λ λ+2 1 λ

[C1 → C1 + C2 + C3]
1 1 1
= (λ + 2) 1 λ 1
1 1 λ

1 0 0
= (λ + 2) 1 λ − 1 0 = (λ + 2) (λ – 1)2
1 0 λ −1

[using C2 → C2 – C1 and C3 → C3 – C1]

If ∆ = 0, then λ = –2 or λ = 1.
But when λ = 1, the system of equation becomes x1 + x2 + x3 = 1 which has
infinite number of solutions. When λ = – 2, by adding three equations, we
obtain 0 = 3 and thus, the system of equations is inconsistent.

Q.14 If α be a repeated roots of the quadratic equation f(x) = 0 and A(x), B(x), C(x)
are polynomials of degree 3, 4, 5 respectively then determinant
A(x ) B( x ) C( x )
 dA 
A (α ) C(α) is divisible by (where A′(α) = 
B(α)  , etc) -
 dx  x =α
A′(α) B′(α) C′(α)

8
 (A) f(x) (x – α)3 (B) (f(x))2 (C) f(x) (D) None of these
Sol.[C] We know that α is a root of f(x) = 0. This means (x – α) is a factor of f(x). If α
is a repeated root of f(x) = 0 then f(x) has a repeated factor (x – α), i.e., (x –
α)2 is a factor of f(x). But here f(x) is quadratic
∴ f(x) = λ(x – α)2 …(1)
Where λ is a constant.
A(x ) B( x ) C( x )
Let ∆(x) = A(α) B(α) C(α)
A′(α) B′(α) C′(α)

Which is of the degree 5 at most and 3 at least.

Clearly, ∆(α) = 0 …(2)
Differentiating ∆(x) w.r.t. x,
A′( x ) B′( x ) C′( x ) A(x ) B( x ) C( x ) A(x) B( x ) C( x )
∆′(x) = A(α) B(α) C(α) + 0 0 0 + A(α) B(α) C(α)
A′(α) B′(α) C′(α) A′(α) B′(α) C′(α) 0 0 0

because derivatives of constants = 0

A′( x ) B′( x ) C′( x )
= A(α) B(α) C(α)
A′(α) B′(α) C′(α)

A′(α) B′(α) C′(α)

∴ ∆′(α) = A(α) B(α) C(α) = 0 …(3)
A′(α) B′(α) C′(α)

because R1 ≡ R3.
We know that
φ(α) = 0 ⇒ (x – α) is a factor of φ (x)
and φ′(α) = 0 ⇒ (x – α)2 is a factor of φ(x)
∴ from (2) and (3), ∆(x) has a factor (x – α)2.
∴ ∆(x) = (x – α)2 . F(x)

1 1
= λ(x – α)2 . F(x) = f(x) . F(x), using (1)
λ λ

∴ ∆(x) is divisible by f(x).

9
 a1 a2 a3
π / 2 1 − cos 2nx
Q.15 If an = ∫ dx then the value of determinant a 4 a 5 a 6 is -
0 1 − cos 2 x
a7 a8 a9

(A) 1 (B) –1 (C) 2 (D) None of these

Sol.[D]Here an + an+2
π / 2 1 − cos 2nx π / 2 1 − cos 2( n + 2) x
= ∫0 1 − cos 2x
dx + ∫0 1 − cos 2x
dx

π/ 2 2 − {cos 2nx + cos 2(n + 2) x}

= ∫0 1 − cos 2 x
dx

π/2 2 − 2 cos 2( n + 1) x . cos 2 x

= ∫0 1 − cos 2 x
dx

π / 2 1 − cos 2( n + 1) x
Also 2.an+1 = 2 ∫ dx
0 1 − cos 2 x

∴ an + an+2 – 2an+1 = 2 ∫
π/ 2 {1 − cos 2(n + 1) x . cos 2x − 1 + cos 2(n + 1) x} dx
0 1 − cos 2 x
π / 2 cos 2( n + 1) x .{1 − cos 2x}
= 2∫ dx
0 1 − cos 2x
π/2
= 2∫ cos 2(n + 1) x dx
0

π/2
 sin 2( n + 1) x  1
∴ an + an+2 – 2an+1 = 2   = [0 – 0] = 0, …(1)
 2( n + 1)  0 n +1

for all n.
a n + a n +2
∴ an+1 =
2
∴ an + 1 is the AM between an, an+2.
a1 a2 a3 a1 2a 2 a3
1
Now, ∆ = a 4 a 5 a6 = a4 2a 5 a6
2
a7 a8 a9 a7 2a 8 a9

a1 2a 2 − (a 1 + a 3 ) a3
1
= a4 2a 5 − (a 4 + a 6 ) a 6 , C2 → C2, – C1 – C3
2
a7 2a 8 − (a 7 + a 9 ) a 9

a1 0 a3
1
= a4 0 a 6 , using (1)
2
a7 0 a9

∴ ∆ = 0.

10
Q.1. Let A and B be two 2 × 2 matrices. Consider the statements
(i) AB = O ⇒ A = O or B = O (ii) AB = I2 ⇒ A = B–1

(iii) (A + B)2 = A2 + 2AB + B2

Then
(A) (i) is false, (ii) and (iii) are true (B) (i) and (iii) are false, (ii) is true

(C) (i) and (ii) are false, (iii) is true (D) (ii) and (iii) are false, (i) is true

Sol.[B] (i) is false,

0 1 1 1  0 0 
If A =   and B = 0 0  , then AB = 0 0  = O
0 − 1    

Thus, AB = 0 ⇒ A = O or B = O

(iii) is false since matrix multiplication is not commutative.

(ii) is true as product AB is an identity matrix, if B is inverse of the matrix A.

 cos 2 α cos α sin α 

Q.2. Let E(α) =   . If α and β differs by an odd multiple of π/2,
cos α sin α sin 2 α 

then E(α) E(β) is a -

(A) null matrix (B) unit matrix

(C) diagonal matrix (D) orthogonal matrix

Sol.[A]We have
 2
cos α sin α   cos 2 β cos β sin β
E(α) E(β) =  cos α   
cos α sin α sin 2 α  cos β sin β sin 2 β 

cos α cos β cos(α − β) cos α sin β cos(α − β) 

=  
 sin α cos β cos(α − β) sin α sin β cos(α − β) 

As α and β differ by an odd multiple of π/2, α – β = (2n + 1) π/2 for some As

α and β integer n. Thus, cos [(2n + 1)π/2] = 0

∴ E (α) E (β) = O.
Q.3. The inverse of a skew symmetric matrix (if it exists) is -
(A) a symmetric matrix (B) a skew symmetric matrix
(C) diagonal matrix (D) None of these

11
Sol.[B] We have A′ = – A
Now, AA–1 = A–1 A = In
⇒ (AA–1)′ = (A–1 A)′ = (In)′
⇒ (A–1)′ A′ = A′(A–1)′ = In
⇒ (A–1)′ (–A) = (–A) (A–1)′ = In
Thus, (A–1)′ = –(A–1) [inverse of a matrix is unique].

Q.4. Let A, B, C be three square matrices of the same order, such that whenever
AB = AC then B = C, if A is -
(A) singular (B) non-singular
(C) symmetric (D) skew-symmetric

Sol.[B] If A is non-singular, A–1 exists.

Thus, AB = AC ⇒ A–1(AB) = A–1 (AC)
⇒ (A–1A) B = (A–1 A) C ⇒ IB = IC
a b c  q −b y 
Q.5. If A = x y z  , B = − p a − x 
  then -
 p q r   r − c z 

(A) |A| = |B| (B) |A| = – |B|

(C) |A| = 2|B| (D) A is invertible if and only if B is invertible

Sol.[B, D]

We have
q −b y q −b y
|B| = − p a − x = (–1) p − a x
r −c z r −c z

q b y p a x a p x a x p
= p a x =– q b y = b q y =– b y q
r c z r c z c r z c z r

= – |A| [using reflection property]

∴From here, we get |A| ≠ 0 if and only if |B| ≠ 0.

⇒ B = C.

12
Q.6. If A and B are two square matrices such that B = –A–1 BA, then (A + B)2 is
equal to -
(A) 0 (B) A2 + B2 (C) A2 + 2AB + B2 (D) A + B

Sol.[B] As B = –A–1 BA, we get AB = –BA or AB + BA = O

Now, (A + B)2 = (A + B) (A + B) = A2 + BA + AB + B2

= A2 + O + B2 = A2 + B2

1 1 1
Q.7. If a, b and c are all different from zero such that + + =0, then the matrix
a b c

1 + a 1 1 
A=  1 1+ b 1  is-
 1 1 1 + c

(A) symmetric (B) non-singular

(C) can be written as sum of a symmetric and a skew symmetric matrix

(D) none of these

Sol.[B, C]

We have
1 + 1/ a 1/ b 1/ c 1+ 1/ a +1/ b + 1/ c 1/ b 1/ c
|A| = abc 1/ a 1 + 1/ b 1/ c = abc 1 + 1 / a + 1 / b + 1 / c 1 + 1 / b 1/ c
1/ a 1/ b 1 + 1/ c 1+ 1/ a +1/ b + 1/ c 1/ b 1 +1/ c

[C1 → C1 + C2 + C3]
1 1/ b 1/ c
 1 1 1 
= abc 1 1 + 1 / b 1/ c ∵ a + b + c = 0
 
1 1/ b 1 +1/ c

1 1/ b 1/ c
= abc 0 1 0 = abc ≠ 0 [R2 → R2 – R1, R3 → R3 – R1]
0 0 1

∴ A is non-singular.

Also, every matrix can be written as sum of a symmetric and a skew

symmetric matrix.

13
Q.8. If A is non-singular matrix of order 3 × 3, then adj (adj A) is equal to -

(A) |A| A (B) |A|2 A (C) |A|–1 A (D) None of these

1
Sol.[A]As A is a non-singular matrix A–1 = (adj A)
|A|

⇒ adj A = |A| A–1 = B(say).

Now,
adj (adj A) = adj (B) = |B|B–1 = ||A|A–1| (|A| A–1)–1

= |A|3 |A–1| |A|–1 (A–1)–1

[using scalar multiple property of determinants]

1 1
= |A|3 · A = |A| A.
|A| |A|

Q.9. The value of a for which the system of equations

x+y+z=0

ax + (a + 1)y + (a + 2)z = 0

a3x + (a + 1)3y + (a + 2)3z = 0

has a non-zero solution is -

(A) 1 (B) 0 (C) –1 (D) None of these

Sol.[C]The system of equations will have a non-zero solution if and only if

1 1 1
∆= a a +1 a+2 =0
3 3 3
a (a + 1) ( a + 2)

Using C3 → C3 – C2, C2 → C2 – C1, we get

1 0 0
∆= a 1 1 =0
a3 2 2
3a + 3a + 1 3a + 9a + 7

⇒ 6a + 6 = 0 or a+1=0 or a = –1.

14
 2 –13
Q.10. Let A =   if A = xA + yI2 then x and y are respectively -
− 1 5

1 −7 7 −1 −1 7 −7 1
(A) , (B) , (C) , (D) ,
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

1 5 − 3  2 3 1 0 
Sol.[C]A–1 = 1  = x − 1 5 + y  
13  2    0 1 

5 −3
⇒ = 2x + y, = 3x
13 13

1 2
⇒ = –x, = 5x + y
13 13

−1 7
x= ,y= .
13 13

0 1 2 1 / 2 − 1 / 2 1 / 2
1 2 3 –1  y  , then -
Q.11. If A =   and A =  − 4 3
3 x 1  5 / 2 − 3 / 2 1 / 2

(A) x = 1, y = –1 (B) x = –1, y = 1

(C) x = 2, y = –1/2 (D) x = 1/2, y = 1/2

Sol.[A]We have

1 0 0 0 1 2 1 / 2 − 1 / 2 1 / 2
0 1 0 –1    y 
  = AA = 1 2 3  − 4 3
0 0 1 3 x 1  5 / 2 − 3 / 2 1 / 2

 1 0 y +1 
 0 2( y + 1)
=  1
4(1 − x ) 3( x − 1) 2 + xy 

1 – x = 0, x – 1 = 0, y + 1 = 0, y + 1 = 0, 2 + xy = 1

x = 1, y = –1.

15
Q.12. If A is a 3 × 3 skew-symmetric matrix, then |A| is given by -

(A) 0 (B) –1 (C) 1 (D) None of these

 0 a b
 
Sol.[A]Let A =  − a 0 c  be the given skew symmetric matrix.
− b − c 0
 

0 a b 0 −a −b
We have |A| = − a 0 c = a 0 − c
−b −c 0 b c 0

[∵ |A| = |A′|]

0 a b
3
= (–1) − a 0 c = – |A|
−b −c 0

⇒ 2 |A| = 0 ⇒ |A| = 0.

Q.13. If the system of equations x + 2y – 3z = 2, (k + 3)z = 3, (2k + 1)y + z = 2 is

inconsistent, then value of k can be -
(A) –3 (B) –1/2 (C) 1 (D) 2
Sol.[A,B]
For the given system to be inconsistent we must have

1 2 −3
0 0 k +3 = 0
0 2k + 1 1

⇒ – (k + 3) (2k + 1) = 0 ⇒ k = –3, –1/2.

For k = –3, the second becomes 0z = 3 which is impossible.
For k = –1/2, the second equation gives z = 6/5 and the third equation gives
z = 2. A contradiction.

Q.12 For each real x such that –1 < x < 1 .

 1 − x
Let A (x) denote the matrix (1 – x)–1/2   and A(x) A(y) = k A(z)
− x 1 

x+y
where x, y ∈ R, –1 < x, y < 1 and z = then k is -
1 + xy

1 x 1+ xy
(A) (B) (C) 1+ xy (D)
1 + xy 1 + xy x

16
 −1/2  1 − x  1 − y
Sol.[C]A(x) A(y) = (1 − x ) (1 – y)–1/2    
− x 1  − y 1 

 1 + xy − ( x + y) 
= (1 – x – y + xy)–1/2 
− ( x + y) 1 + xy 

 − ( x + y) 
 1
1 + xy 1 + xy 
=  
1 − ( x + y) + ( xy)  − ( x + y) 1 
 1 + xy 

 − ( x + y) 
 1
1 + xy 1 + xy 
=  
x + y  − ( x + y) 1 
1−
1 + xy  1 + xy 

= 1+ xy A(z)

⇒ k = 1+ xy .

0 2β γ 
Q.15. If the matrix α β − γ  is orthogonal, then -
α − β γ 

1 1 1
(A) α = ± (B) β = ± (C) γ = ± (D) all of these
2 6 3

0 2β γ  0 α α
Sol.[D]Let A = α β − γ  , A′ = 2β β − β
α − β γ   γ − γ γ 

Since A is orthogonal, ∴ AA′ = I

 0 2β γ   0 α α  1 0 0
α β − γ  2β β − β 0 1 0
⇒     = 
α − β γ   γ − γ γ  0 0 1

 4β 2 + γ 2 2β 2 − γ 2 − 2β 2 + γ 2 
 
⇒  2β 2 − γ 2 α 2 + β2 + γ 2 α 2 − β2 − γ 2 
− 2β 2 + γ 2 α 2 − β2 − γ 2 α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 
 

1 0 0
= 0 1 0
0 0 1

17
 Equation the corresponding elements, we have
4β 2 + γ 2 = 1 1 1
2 2 ⇒ β = ± ,γ=±
2β − γ = 0 6 3

1 1 1
α2 + β2 + γ2 = 1 ⇒ α2 + + = 1 ⇒ a = ± .
6 3 2

Hence (D) is correct answer.

− 1 2 5 
 2 − 4 a − 4
Q.16. The rank of the matrix   is -
 1 − 2 a + 1

(A) 2 if a = 6 (B) 2 if a = 1 (C) 1 if a = 2 (D) 1 if a = –6

Sol.[B,D]
− 1 2 5  − 1 2 5 
 2 − 4 a − 4  0 0 a + 6
Let A =   ~  
 1 − 2 a + 1  0 0 a + 6

[R2 → R2 + 2R1, R3 → R3 + R1]

Clearly rank of A is 1 if a = –6.
−1 2 5
Also, for a = 1, |A| = 2 − 4 − 3 = 0
1 −2 2

2 5
and = –6 + 20 = 14 ≠ 0
−4 −3

∴ rank of A is 2 if a = 1.
Hence (b), (d) are correct answer.
Q.17. If [x] stands for the greatest integer less or equal to x, then in order than the set
of equations x – 3y = 4 ; 5x + y = 2 ;
[2π]x – [e]y = [2a] may be consistent, then ‘a’ should lie in -

(A) 3,  (B)  3, 7  (C)  3, 

7 7
(D) None of these
 2  3  3

5 9
Sol.[A]On solving x – 3y = 4 and 5x + y = 2, we get x = , y = – . As [2π] = 6 and
8 8

[e] = 2.

18
 So that the three equations are consistence if
5 9
[2π]. + [e] = [2a] or [2a] = 6
8 8

7
This gives 6 ≤ 2a < 7 or 3 ≤ a < .
2

Hence (A) is correct answer.

a b c 
Q.18. If matrix A = b c a  where a, b, c are real positive numbers, abc = 1 and AT
 c a b 

A = 1, then the value of a3 + b3 + c3 is -

(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 1

Sol.[C]AT A = I ⇒ |AT A| = |I| ⇒ |A|2 = 1

⇒ (a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc)2 = 1

⇒ a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = 1

(since a, b, c are positive real number ⇒ a3 + b3 + c3 ≥ 3abc from AM ≥ GM)

⇒ a3 + b3 + c3 = 4.

Hence (C) is correct answer.

Q.19. Let p be the sum of all possible determinants of order 2 having 0, 1, 2 and 3 as
their four elements. Then the common root α of the equations

x2 + ax + [m + 1] = 0

x2 + bx + [m + 4] = 0

x2 – cx + [m + 15] = 0
2n
1
∑
r
Such that α > p, where a + b + c = 0 and m = lim . (where [.]
n →∞ n n + r2
2
r =1

denotes the greatest integer function) -

(A) ± 3 (B) 3 (C) –3 (D) None of these

19
Sol.[B] Let α be the common root, then

α2 + aα + [m + 1] = 0 …(1)

α2 + αb + [m + 4] = 0 …(2)

α2 – cα + [m + 15] = 0 …(3)

Apply (1) + (2) – (3)

α2 + [m] – 10 = 0 …(4)

2n 2n
∑
1 1 r/n
∑
r
but m = lim = lim
n →∞ n 2 2 n →∞ n 2
r =1 n +r r =1 r
1+  
n

2 2
dx =  1 + x 2  = 5 – 1
x
= ∫ 1+ x2  0
0

Now [m] = [ 5 – 1] = 1

Now from (4), α2 + 1 – 10 = 0 ⇒ α = ± 3 …(5)

Now number of determinants of order 2 having 0, 1, 2, 3 = 4! = 24.

a1 a2
Let ∆1 = be one such determinant and there exists another determinant.
a3 a4

a3 a4
∆2 = (obtained on interchanging R1 and R2)
a1 a2

such that ∆1 + ∆2 = 0.

p = sum of all the 24 determinants = 0

since α > p ⇒ α > 0

from (5), α = 3.

Hence (B) is the correct answer.

20
 1
Q20. For k = , the value of a, b, c such that PP′ = I, where P =
50

 2/3 3k a 
 − 1 / 3 − 4k b 
  is-
 2 / 3 − 5k c 

16 13 1 1 13 16
(A) ± ,± ,∓ (B) ∓ ,± ,±
5 2 5 2 3 2 3 2 5 2 5 2

13 16 1
(C) ± ,± ,∓ (D) None of these
5 2 5 2 3 2

Sol.[C]For PP′ = 1,
 2/3 3k a  2 / 3 − 1 / 3 2 / 3  1 0 0
− 1 / 3 − 4k b  3k − 4k − 5k  0 1 0
   =  .
 2 / 3 − 5k c   a b c  0 0 1

Performing matrix multiplication, we have

4 1 4
+ 9k2 + a2 = 1, + 16k2 + b2 = 1, + 25k2 + c2 = 1
9 9 9

169 256 25
⇒ a2 = , b2 = , c2 = .
450 450 450

4 2 2
Also – 15k2 + ac = 0, – + 20k2 + bc = 0, – – 12k2 + ab = 0
9 9 9

208 80 −65
⇒ ab = , bc = – , ac = .
450 450 450

13 16 1
Hence a = ± ,b=± ,c∓ .
5 2 5 2 3 2

Hence (C) is correct answer.

Q.21. If B is an idempotent matrix, and A = I – B, then -

(A) A2 = A (B) A2 = I (C) AB = 0 (D) BA = 0

Sol.[A,C,D]

21
 Since B is an idempotent matrix, ∴ B2 = B.

Now, A2 = (I – B)2 = (I – B) (I – B)

= I – IB – BI + B2 = I – B – B + B2 = I – 2B + B2

= I – 2B + B = I – B = A.

∴ A is idempotent.

Again AB = (I – B) B = IB – B2 = B – B2 = B2 – B2 = 0.

Similarly, BA = (I – B) = BI – B2 = B – B = 0.

Hence (A), (C), (D) are correct answers.

0 2β γ 
Q.22. If the matrix α β − γ  is orthogonal, then -
α − β γ 

1 1 1
(A) α = ± (B) β = ± (C) γ = ± (D) all of these
2 6 3

0 2β γ  0 α α
Sol.[D]Let A = α β − γ  , A′ = 2β β − β
α − β γ   γ − γ γ 

Since A is orthogonal, ∴ AA′ = I

 0 2β γ   0 α α  1 0 0
α β − γ  2β β − β 0 1 0
⇒     = 
α − β γ   γ − γ γ  0 0 1

 4β 2 + γ 2 2β 2 − γ 2 − 2β 2 + γ 2 
 
⇒  2β 2 − γ 2 α 2 + β2 + γ 2 α 2 − β2 − γ 2 
− 2β 2 + γ 2 α 2 − β2 − γ 2 α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 
 

1 0 0
= 0 1 0
0 0 1

Equation the corresponding elements, we have

22
 4β 2 + γ 2 = 1 1 1
2 2 ⇒ β = ± ,γ=±
2β − γ = 0 6 3

1 1 1
α2 + β2 + γ2 = 1 ⇒ α2 + + = 1 ⇒ a = ± .
6 3 2

Hence (D) is correct answer.

Q.23. If A is non-singular matrix of order 3 × 3, then adj (adj A) is equal to -

(A) |A| A (B) |A|2 A (C) |A|–1 A (D) None of these

1
Sol.[A]As A is a non-singular matrix A–1 = (adj A)
|A|

⇒ adj A = |A| A–1 = B(say).

Now,

adj (adj A) = adj (B) = |B|B–1 = ||A|A–1| (|A| A–1)–1

= |A|3 |A–1| |A|–1 (A–1)–1

[using scalar multiple property of determinants]

1 1
= |A|3 · A
|A| |A|

= |A| A.

Q.24. If the matrices A, B, (A + B) are non-singular, then [A (A + B)–1 B]–1, is equal

to -

(A) A + B (B) A–1 + B–1 (C) A (A + B)–1 (D) None of these

Sol.[B] We have

[A (A + B)–1 B]–1 = B–1 ((A + B)–1)–1 A–1

= B–1(A + B)A–1 = (B–1 A + I) A–1

= B–1 I + IA–1 = B–1 + A–1.

Hence (B) is correct answer.

23
Q.25. If B is a non-singular matrix and A is a square matrix, then det (B–1 AB) is
equal to -

(A) det (A–1) (B) det (B–1) (C) det (A) (D) det (B)

Sol.[C]det (B–1 AB) = det (B–1) det A det B

= det (B–1).det B. det A = det (B–1 B).det A

= det (I).det A = 1.det A = det A.

Hence (C) is correct.

y + a b c 
Q.26. If the matrix A =  a y+b c  has rank 3, then -
 a b y + c 

(A) y ≠ (a + b + c) (B) y ≠ 1

(C) y = 0 (D) y ≠ – (a + b + c) and y ≠ 0

Sol.[D]Here the rank of A is 3

Therefore, the minor of order 3 of A ≠ 0.

y+a b c
⇒ a y+b c ≠0
a b y+c

1 b c
⇒ (y + a + b + c) 1 y + b c ≠ 0
1 b y+c

[Applying C1 → C1 + C2 + C3 and taking (y + a + b + c) common from C1]

1 b c
⇒ (y + a + b + c) 0 y 0 ≠ 0
0 0 y

[Applying R2 → R2 – R1, R3 → R3 – R1]

⇒ (y + a + b + c) (y2) ≠ 0 [Expanding along C1]

⇒ y ≠ 0 and y ≠ –(a + b + c)

Hence (D) is correct answer.

24
Q.27. If Ak = 0, for some value of k, (I – A)p = I + A + A2 + …. Ak–1, thus p is (A is
nilpotent with index k).

(A) –1 (B) –2 (C) –3 (D) None of these

Sol.[A]Let B = I + A + A2 + … + Ak–1

Post multiply both sides by (I – A), so that

B(I – A) = (I + A + A2 + … + Ak–1) (I – A)

= I – A + A – A2 + A2 – A3 + … –Ak–1 + Ak–1 – Ak

= I – Ak = I, since Ak = 0

⇒ B = (I – A)–1

Hence (I – A)–1 = I + A + A2 + … + Ak–1.

Thus, p = –1.

Hence (A) is correct answer.

Q.28. The value(s) of m does the system of equations 3x + my = m and 2x – 5y = 20

has a solution satisfying the conditions
x > 0, y > 0

(B) m ∈  – ∞, –  ∪ (30, ∞)
15
(A) m ∈ (0, ∞)
 2

(C) m ∈  – , ∞ 
15
(D) None of these
 2 

Sol.[B] By using Cramer’s rule, the solution of the system is

∆x ∆y 3 m
x= ,y= , where ∆ = = –(15 + 2m)
∆ ∆ 2 −5

m m 3 m
∆x = = –25m, ∆y = = 60 – 2m
20 − 5 2 20

−25m 25m(15 + 2m )
⇒x= = > 0,
– (15 + 2m) (15 + 2m ) 2

25
 15
for m > 0, or m < – .
2

60 − 2m 2( m − 30)(15 + 2m)
Also y = = >0
− (15 + 2m) (15 + 2m ) 2

15
for m > 30, or m < – .
2

15
⇒ x > 0, y > 0 for m > 30 or m < –
2

15
For m = – , the system has no solution.
2

Hence (B) is correct answer.

Q.29. The number of values of k for which the system of equations (k + 1) x + 8y =

4k, kx + ( k + 3) y = 3k – 1 has no solution is-

(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) infinite

Sol.[B] For the system of equations to have no solution, we must have

k +1 8 4k
= ≠
k k +3 3k − 1

⇒ (k + 1) (k + 3) = 8k and 8(3k – 1) ≠ 4k (k + 3)

But (k + 1) (k + 3) = 8k ⇒ k2 + 4k + 3 = 8k

or k2 – 4k + 3 = 0 or (k – 1) (k – 3) = 0

⇒ k = 1, 3.

For k = 1, 8(3k – 1) = 16 and 4k (k + 3) = 16

∴ 8(3k – 1) = 4k (k + 3) for k = 1

For k = 3, 8(3k – 1) = 64 and 4k (k + 3) = 72

i.e. 8(3k – 1) ≠ 4k (k + 3) for k = 3.

Thus, there is just one value for which the system of equations has no solution.

26
27
28