MATHS FOR JEE MAIN & ADVANCED

INTRODUCTION
If the equations a1x + b1 = 0, a2x + b2 = 0 are satisfied by the same value of x, then a1b2 – a2b1 = 0. The expression
a1b2 – a2b1 is called a determinant of the second order, and is denoted by :
a1 b1
a2 b2
A determinant of second order consists of two rows and two columns.
Next consider the system of equations a1x + b1y + c1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2 = 0, a3x + b3y + c3 = 0
If these equations are satisfied by the same values of x and y, then on eliminating x and y we get.
a1(b2c3 – b3c2) + b1(c2a3 – c3a2) + c1(a2b3 – a3b2) = 0
The expression on the left is called a determinant of the third order, and is denoted by
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3
A determinant of third order consists of three rows and three columns.

VALUE OF A DETERMINANT
a1 b1 c1
b c2 a2 c2 a2 b2
D  a2 b2 c2  a1 2  b1  c1
b3 c3 a3 c3 a3 b 3 = a1(b2c3 – b3c2) – b1(a2c3 – a3c2) + c1(a2b3 – a3b2)
a3 b3 c3

 Sarrus diagram to get the value of determinant of order three :

–ve –ve –ve
a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1 a1 b1
D  a2 b2 c 2 = a2 b2 c2 a2 b2 = (a1b2c3 + a2b3c1 +a3b1c2) – (a3b2c1 + a2b1c3 + a1b3c2)
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3 a3 b3
+ve +ve +ve
Note that the product of the terms in first bracket (i.e. a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, c3) is same as the product of the terms
in second bracket.

sin cos 1 log b a

Ex. Evaluate (i) (ii)
 cos sin log a b 1

sin cos
Sol. (i) = sin2 – (– cos2 ) = sin2  + cos2  = 1.
 cos sin

1 log b a  1 
(ii) = 1 – logb a × loga b = 1 – 1 = 0  log b a  
log a b 1  log a b

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 DETERMINANTS

Ex. Eliminate , m, n from the equations a + cm + bn = 0, c + bm + an = 0, b + am + cn = 0 and express the result in the
simplest form.
Sol. The given set of equations can also be written as (if n  0) :

 m   m   m 

a   c   b  0 ; c   b   a  0 ; b   a   c  0
n n  n  n  n n 
 m
Then, let  x ; y
n n
 System of equations :
ax + cy + b = 0 .....(i)
cx + by + a = 0 .....(ii)
bx + ay + c = 0 .....(iii)
We have to eliminate x & y from these simultaneous linear equations.
Since these equations are satisfied by the same values of x and y, then eliminating x
and y we get,
a c b
c b a 0
b a c

1 2 3
Ex. The value of 4 3 6 is -
2 7 9

1 2 3
3 6 4 6 4 3
Sol. 4 3 6 =1 –2 3
7 9 2 9 2 7
2 7 9

= (27 + 42) – 2 (–36 –12) + 3 (28 – 6) = 231

Alternative : By sarrus diagram

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
4 3 6 = 4 3 6 4 3
2 7 9 2 7 9 2 7

= (27 + 24 + 84) – (18 – 42 – 72)= 135 – (18 – 114) = 231

MINORS & COFACTORS

Let  be a determinant. Then minor of element a ij, denoted by Mij, is defined as the determinant of the
submatrix obtained by deleting ith row & j th column of . Cofactor of element aij, denoted by Cij, is defined as
Cij = (– 1)i + j Mij.
a b
e.g. 1 =
c d
M11 = d = C11
M12 = c, C12 = – c

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M21 = b, C21 = – b
M22 = a = C22
a b c
e.g. 2 = p q r
x y z
q r
M11 = = qz – yr = C11.
y z

a b
M23 = = ay – bx, C23 = – (ay – bx) = bx – ay etc.
x y

 1 3 2 
 
Ex. Find the minors and cofactors of elements of the matrix A = [aij] =  4 5 6  .
 3 5 2 

Sol. Let Mij and Cij denote respectively the minor and cofactor of element aij in A. Then,
5 6
M11 = = –10 – 30 = – 40  C11 = M11 = – 40
5 2

4 6
M12 = = 8 – 18 = –10  C12 = – M12 = 10
3 2

4 5
M13 = = 20 + 15 = 35  C13 = M13 = 35
3 5

3 2
M21 = = 6 + 10 = 16  C21 = – M21 = –16
5 2

1 2
M22 = =2+6=8  C22 = M22 = 8
3 2

1 3
M23 = = 5 – 9 = –4  C23 = – M23 = 4
3 5
2 3 1
Ex. Find the minors and cofactors of elements '–3', '5', '–1' & '7' in the determinant 4 0 5
1 6 7
4 5
Sol. Minor of –3 = = 33 ; Cofactor of – 3 = –33
1 7
2 3
Minor of 5 =  9 ; Cofactor of 5 = –9
1 6

3 1
Minor of –1 =  15 ; Cofactor of –1 = –15
0 5

2 3
Minor of 7 =  12 ; Cofactor of 7 = 12
4 0

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 DETERMINANTS

Transpose of a Determinant
The transpose of a determinant is the determinant of transpose of the corresponding matrix.

a1 b1 c1 a1 a2 a3
a
D= 2 b2 c2  DT  b1 b2 b3
a3 b3 c3 c1 c2 c3

PROPERTIES OF DETERMINANTS
(a) The value of a determinant remains unaltered, if the rows & columns are inter-changed,

a1 b1 c1 a1 a 2 a 3
e.g. if D  a 2 b 2 c 2  b 1 b 2 b 3
a3 b3 c3 c1 c 2 c 3

(b) If any two rows (or columns) of a determinant be interchanged, the value of determinant is changed in sign
only. e.g.

a1 b1 c1 a 2 b2 c2
Let D  a 2 b2 c2 & D1  a1 b1 c1 Then D1 = – D.
a 3 b3 c3 a3 b 3 c3

(c) If all the elements of a row (or column) are zero, then the value of the determinant is zero.

(d) If all the elements of any row (or column) are multiplied by the same number, then the determinant is
multiplied by that number.

a1 b1 c1 Ka 1 Kb1 Kc 1
e.g. If D = a 2 b2 c2 and D1 = a 2 b2 c2 Then D1 = KD
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

(e) If all the elements of a row (or column) are proportional (or identical) to the element of any other row, then
the determinant vanishes, i.e. its value is zero.

a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1
e.g. If D = a 1 b1 c1  D = 0 ; If D1  ka1 kb1 kc1 D1 = 0
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3
(f) If each element of any row (or column) is expressed as a sum of two (or more) terms, then the determinant
can be expressed as the sum of two (or more) determinants.

a1  x b1  y c1  z a1 b1 c1 x y z
e.g. a2 b2 c2  a2 b2 c2  a2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

ƒ(r) g(r) h(r)

Note that : If D r  a b c
a1 b1 c1

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where r  N and a,b,c, a1, b1,c1 are constants, then

n n n

r 1
ƒ(r)  g(r)  h(r)
r 1 r 1
n

r 1
Dr  a b c
a1 b1 c1

(g) Row - column operation : The value of a determinant remains unaltered under a column (Ci ) operation of
the form Ci  Ci + Cj + Ck (j, k  i) or row (Ri) operation of the form Ri  Ri + Rj + Rk (j, k  i). In other
words, the value of a determinant is not altered by adding the elements of any row (or column) to the same
multiples of the corresponding elements of any other row (or column)

a1 b1 c1
e.g. Let D = a 2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3

a 1  a 2 b1  b 2 c 1  c 2
D= a2 b2 c2 (R1 R1 + R2; R3 R3 + R2)
a 3  a1 b 3  b 1 c 3   c1

(i) By using the operation Ri  xRi + yRj + zRk (j, k  i), the value of the determinant becomes x times
the original one.
(ii) While applying this property ATLEAST ONE ROW (OR COLUMN) must remain unchanged.

(h) Factor theorem : If the elements of a determinant D are rational integral functions of x and two rows
(or columns) become identical when x = a then (x – a) is a factor of D.
Note that if r rows become identical when a is substituted for x, then (x – a)r–1 is a factor of D.

a b c
Ex. Simplify a2 b2 c2
bc ca ab

Sol. Given detereminant is equal to

a2 b2 c2 a2 b2 c2
1 abc
= a3 b3 c3 = a3 b3 c3
abc abc
abc abc abc 1 1 1

Apply C1  C1 – C2, C 2  C 2 – C3

a 2  b2 b2  c2 c2
= a b b3  c3
3 3
c3
0 0 1

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 DETERMINANTS

ab bc c2
= (a – b) (b – c) a  ab  b b 2  bc  c 2
2 2
c3
0 0 1

= (a – b) (b – c) [ab 2 + abc + ac2 + b3 + b2C + bc2 – a2b – a2c – ab2 – abc – b3 – b2c]
= (a – b) (b – c) [c(ab + bc + ca) – a(ab + bc + ca)]
= (a – b) (b – c) (c – a) (ab + bc + ca)

a2 ab ac
2
Ex. Find the value of the determinant ab b bc
ac bc c 2

a2 ab a b c
ac a b c
2 2
Sol. D = ab b bc = a ab b bc = abc a b c = 0
2 2
ac bc c ac bc c a b c

Since all rows are same, hence value of the determinant is zero.

bc a a
Ex. Prove that b ca b = 4abc
c c ab

bc a a
Sol. Let  = b ca b
c c ab

Applying R1  R1 – R2 – R3 to , we get

0 2c 2b
  b ca b
c c ab

Expanding along R1, we obtain

ca b b b b ca
0  ( 2c)  ( 2b)
c ab c ab c c

= 2 c (a b + b2 – bc) – 2 b (b c – c2 – ac)
= 2 a b c + 2 cb2 – 2 bc2 – 2 b2c + 2 bc2 + 2 abc
= 4 abc

a bc 2a 2a
Ex. Prove that 2b bc a 2b  (a  b  c) 3
2c 2c c a b

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a bc 2a 2a
Sol. D 2b b c a 2b
2c 2c c a b

a bc a bc a bc

D 2b b c a 2b (R1  R1 + R2 + R3)
2c 2c c a b

1 1 1
D  (a  b  c) 2b b  c  a 2b
2c 2c c a b

1 0 0
D  (a  b  c) 2b (a  b  c) 0 (C3 C3 – C1 ; C2  C2 – C1)
2c 0 (a  b  c)

D = (a + b + c)3

a b c
Ex. Show that a  2x b  2y c  2z  0
x y z

a b c a b c a b c
Sol. We have, a  2x b  2y c  2z  a b c  2x 2y 2z (by property 5)
x y z x y z x y z

=0+0=0 (using property 3 and property 4)

32  k 42 32  3  k
Ex. If 42  k 52 42  4  k = 0, then the value of k is-
52  k 62 52  5  k

Sol. Applying (C3  C3 – C1)

32  k 42 3
D 4 k
2
5 2
4 0
52  k 62 5

9  k 16 3
 7 9 1 0 (R3  R3 – R2; R2  R2 – R1)
9 11 1
 k–1=0  k=1

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 DETERMINANTS

a a x
Ex. Prove that m m m  m(x  a)(x  b)
b x b

Sol. Using factor theorem,

Put x = a

a a a
D= m m m =0
b a b

Since R1 and R2 are proportional which makes D = 0, therefore (x – a) is a factor of D.

Similarly, by putting x = b, D becomes zero, therefore (x – b) is a factor of D.

a a x
D = m m m = (x – a)(x – b) ......(i)
b x b

To get the value of  put x = 0 in equation (i)

a a 0
m m m
= ab
b 0 b

amb = ab  =m

 D = m(x – a)(x – b)

MULTIPLICATION OF TWO DETERMINANTS

a1 b1 m1 a1  b1 a1 m1  b1 m2
 1
 1 2

a 2 b2 2 m2 a2 1  b2 2
a 2 m1  b2 m2

Similarly two determinants of order three are multiplied.

(a) Here we have multiplied row by column. We can also multiply row by row, column by row and column by column.
(b) If D 1 is the determinant formed by replacing the elements of determinant D of order n by their
corresponding cofactors then D1 = Dn–1

Ex. Let  be the roots of equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and Sn = n +  n for n  1. Evaluate the value of the determinant

3 1  S1 1  S2
1  S1 1  S2 1  S3 .
1  S2 1  S3 1  S4

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3 1  S1 1  S2 1 1 1 1 1  2  2
Sol. D = 1  S1 1  S2 1  S3 = 1     1  2  2 1  3  3
1  S2 1  S3 1  S4 1  2  2 1  3  3 1   4  4

2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2
= 1   1   2
= 1   =[(1 – )(1 – )( – )]2
1  2 1 2 2 1  2

D = ()2 ( 1)2

  are roots of the equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0

b c b 2  4ac
   &      
a a a

2
(b 2  4ac)  a  b  c  (b 2  4ac)(a  b  c)2
D=   =
a2  a  a4

Important Determinants

0 b c
(i) b 0 a 0
c a 0

1 1 1 1 1 1
(ii) a b c  a b c  (a  b)(b  c)(c  a)
2 2 2
bc ac ab a b c

1 1 1
(iii) a b c  (a  b)(b  c)(c  a)(a  b  c)
3 3 3
a b c

1 1 1
(iv) a 2
b 2
c2  (a  b) (b  c)(c  a) (ab  bc  ca)
3 3 3
a b c

1 1 1
(v) a b c  (a  b) (b  c) (c  a) (a 2  b 2  c 2  ab  bc  ca)
a4 b4 c4

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 DETERMINANTS

APPLICATION OF DETERMINANTS IN GEOMETRY

(a) The lines : a 1x + b 1y + c 1 = 0 ......(i)
a 2x + b 2y + c 2 = 0 ......(ii)
a 3x + b 3y + c 3 = 0 ......(iii)
a1 b1 c1
are concurrent if a 2 b2 c 2 = 0.
a3 b3 c3
This is the condition for consistency of three simultaneous linear equations in 2 variables.

(b) Equation ax² + 2 hxy + by² + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 represents a pair of straight lines if :

a h g
abc + 2 fgh  af²  bg²  ch² = 0 = h b f
g f c

x1 y1 1
1
(c) Area of a triangle whose vertices are (xr , yr) ; r = 1 , 2 , 3 is D = x2 y2 1
2
x3 y3 1
If D = 0 then the three points are collinear.
x y 1
(d) Equation of a straight line passing through points (x1 , y1) & (x2 , y2) is x 1 y1 1 =0
x2 y2 1

Ex. Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are (3, 8), (– 4, 2) and (5, 1).

3 8 1
1
Sol. The area of triangle is given by   4 2 1
2
5 1 1

1
= 3(2  1)  8(4  5)  1(4  10)
2
1 61
= (3 + 72 – 14) =
2 2
Singular & non singular matrix
A square matrix A is said to be singular or non-singular according as |A| is zero or non-zero respectively.

Cofactor matrix & adjoint matrix

Let A = [aij]n be a square matrix. The matrix obtained by replacing each element of A by corresponding
cofactor is called as cofactor matrix of A, denoted as cofactor A. The transpose of cofactor matrix of A is
called as adjoint of A, denoted as adj A.
i.e. if A = [aij]n
then cofactor A = [cij]n when c ij is the cofactor of aij  i & j.
Adj A = [d ij]n where d ij = cji  i & j.

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Properties of cofactor A and adj A

(a) A . adj A = |A| n = (adj A) A where A = [aij]n.
(b) |adj A| = |A|n – 1, where n is order of A.
In particular, for 3 × 3 matrix, |adj A| = |A|2
(c) If A is a symmetric matrix, then adj A are also symmetric matrices.
(d) If A is singular, then adj A is also singular.

 2 1 3 
 
Ex. If A =  1 4 2  and B = [–1 2 –1] find B  (adj A)
 0 3 1 

Sol. The cofactors are

c11 = +(4 + 6) = 10 c12 = –(–1 –0) = 1
c13 = +(3 – 0) = 3 c21 = –(–1 + 9) = –8
c22 = +(2 – 0) = 2 c23 = –(–6 + 0) = 6
c31 = +(–2 –12) = –14 c32 = –(4 + 3) = –7
c33 = +(8 – 1) = 7

T
 10 1 3 10 8 14
 adj A = 8 2 6   1 2 7 
 
   
 14 7 7   3 6 7 

10 8 14
Then B . (adj A) = [–1 2 –1]  1 2 7 
 
 3 6 7 

= [–10 + 2 – 3 8 + 4 – 6 14 – 14 – 7]
= [–11 6 –7]

INVERSE OF A MATRIX (RECIPROCAL MATRIX)

1
Let A be a non-singular matrix. Then the matrix adj A is the multiplicative inverse of A (we call it inverse
|A|
of A) and is denoted by A–1.
We have A (adj A) = |A| n = (adj A) A

 1   1 
 A adjA  = n =  adjA  A, for A is non-singular
|A|  |A| 
1
 A–1 = adj A.
|A|

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 DETERMINANTS

(i) The necessary and sufficient condition for existence of inverse of A is that A is non-singular.
(ii) A–1 is always non-singular.
(iii) If A = dia (a11, a22, ....., a nn) where aii  0  i, then A–1 = diag (a11– 1, a22–1, ...., ann–1).
(iv) (A–1) = (A)–1 for any non-singular matrix A. Also adj (A) = (adj A).
(v) (A–1)–1 = A if A is non-singular.
1 –1
(vi) Let k be a non-zero scalar & A be a non-singular matrix. Then (kA)–1 = A .
k
1
(vii) |A–1| = for |A|  0.
|A|
(viii) Let A be a non-singular matrix. Then AB = AC  B = C & BA = CA  B= C.
(ix) A is non-singular and symmetric  A–1 is symmetric.
(x) (AB)–1 = B –1 A–1 if A and B are non- singular.
(xi) In general AB = 0 does not imply A = 0 or B = 0. But if A is non-singular and AB = 0, then B = 0.
Similarly B is non-singular and AB = 0  A = 0. Therefore, AB = 0  either both are singular
or one of them is 0.

1 3 3 
 
Ex. If A = 1 4 3  , then verify that A adj A = | A | . Also find A–1
1 3 4 

Sol. We have | A | = 1 (16 – 9) – 3 (4 – 3) + 3 (3 – 4) = 1  0

Now A11 = 7, A12 = – 1, A13 = – 1, A21 = – 3, A22 = 1, A23 = 0,A31 = – 3, A32 = 0, A33 = 1

 7 –3 –3
 
Therefore adj A =  –1 1 0 
 –1 0 1 

1 3 3  7 –3 –3  7 – 3 – 3 –3  3  0 –3  0  3 
1 4 3  –1 1 0   
Now A(adj A) =    = 7 – 4 – 3 –3  4  0 –3  0  3 
1 3 4  –1 0 1  7 – 3 – 4 –3  3  0 –3  0  4 

1 0 0  1 0 0 
  0 1 0 
= 0 1 0  = (1)   = |A|. I
0 0 1  0 0 1 

 7 –3 –3  7 –3 –3
1 1    
Also A–1 adj A =  –1 1 0  =  –1 1 0 
|A| 1
 –1 0 1   –1 0 1 

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2 3 2
Ex. Show that the matrix A =   satisfies the equation A – 4A + I = O, where I is 2 × 2 identity matrix and O
1 2
is 2 × 2 zero matrix. Using the equation, find A–1 .

2 3 2 3  7 12 
Sol. We have A2 = A.A =     =  
1 2 1 2 4 7 

7 12  8 12  1 0  0 0
Hence A2 – 4A + I =   –   + 0 1  = 0 0 = 0
 4 7   4 8     

Now A2 – 4A + I = 0
Therefore A A – 4A = – I
or AA(A–1) – 4 A A–1 = – I A–1 (Post multiplying by A–1 because |A| 0)
or A (A A–1) – 4I = – A–1
or AI – 4I = – A–1

4 0 2 3  2 –3
or A–1 = 4I – A =  0 4  –  1 2  =  –1 2 
     

 2 –3
Hence A–1 =  
 –1 2 

 2  3
Ex. Find the inverse of the matrix, A =  .
 4 7 

 2  3
Sol. We have, |A| =   = (14 – 12) = 12  0.
 4 7 

So, A–1 exists.

The cofactors of the elements of |A| are given by
A11 = 7, A12 = (–4) = 4.
A21 = –(–3) = 3, A22 = 2.
'
7 4  7 3
 (adj A) =    
3 2 4 2

1
Hence, A–1 = . (adj A)
|A|

7 3
1 7 3  
.  2 .
2  4 2  
= 2

2 1

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 DETERMINANTS

Finding inverse using Elementry operations

(i) Using row transformations :
If A is a matrix such that A–1 exists, then to find A–1 using elementary row operations,
Step I : Write A = IA and
Step II : Apply a sequence of row operation on A = IA till we get, I = BA.
The matrix B will be inverse of A.
Note : In order to apply a sequence of elementary row operations on the matrix equation X = AB, we will apply
these row operations simultaneously on X and on the first matrix A of the product AB on RHS.

 1 2 2 
Ex. Find the inverse of the matrix A   1 3 0  by using elementary row transformations.
 0 2 1 

Sol. We know that A = I A

 1 2 2  1 0 0 
or,  1 3 0    0 1 0  A
   
 0 2 1  0 0 1 

 1 2 2   1 0 0 
0 5 2   1 1 0  A
     (Applying R2  R2 + R1)
0 2 1  0 0 1 

 1 2 2   1 0 0 
 0 1 0   1 1 2  A (Applying R2  R2 + 2R3)
   
0 2 1  0 0 0 

1 0 2   1 2 4 
 0 1 0    1 1 2  A (Applying R1  R1 + (–2) R2, R3  R3 + 2R2)
   
0 0 1   2 2 5 

1 0 0   3 2 6 
 0 1 0   1 1 2  A (Applying R1  R1 + 2R3)
   
0 0 1   2 2 5 

3 2 6
 
Hence, A = 1 1 2 
–1

 2 2 5 

(ii) Using column transformations :

If A is a matrix such that A–1 exists, then to find A–1 using elementary column operations,
Step I : Write A = AI and
Step II : Apply a sequence of column operations on A = AI till we get, I = AB.

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The matrix B will be inverse of A.

Note : In order to apply a sequence of elementary column operations on the matrix equation X = AB, we will
apply these row operatdions simultaneously on X and on the second matrix B of the product AB on RHS.

CRAMER'S RULE (SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS)

Simultaneous linear equations

Consistent Inconsistent
(at least one solution) (no solution)

Exactly one solution Infinite solutions

or
Unique solution

Trivial solution Non trivial solution

All variable At least one

zero is the non zero variable
only solution satisfies the system

(a) Equations involving two variables

(i) Consistent Equations : Definite & unique solution (Intersecting lines)
(ii) Inconsistent Equations : No solution (Parallel lines)
(iii) Dependent Equations : Infinite solutions (Identical lines)
Let, a1 x + b 1 y + c1 = 0
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 then :

a1 b1
(1)   Given equations are consistent with unique solution
a 2 b2

a 1 b1 c1
(2)   
 Given equations are inconsistent
a 2 b2 c2
a 1 b1 c 1
(3)    Given equations are consistent with infinite solutions
a 2 b2 c2

(b) Equations Involving Three variables

Let a 1x + b 1y + c 1z = d 1 .......(i)

a 2x + b 2y + c 2z = d 2 .......(ii)

a 3x + b 3y + c 3z = d 3 .......(iii)

D1 D2 D3
Then, x = , y= , z= .
D D D

a1 b1 c1 d1 b1 c1 a1 d1 c1 a1 b1 d1
Where D = a 2 b2 c 2 ; D1 = d 2 b2 c 2 ; D2 = a 2 d2 c 2 & D3 = a 2 b2 d2
a3 b3 c3 d3 b3 c3 a3 d3 c3 a3 b3 d3

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 DETERMINANTS

(i) If D  0 and atleast one of D1 , D2 , D3  0, then the given system of equations is consistent and has
unique non trivial solution.
(ii) If D  0 & D1 = D2 = D3 = 0, then the given system of equations is consistent and has trivial
solution only.
(iii) If D = D1 = D2 = D3 = 0, then the given system of equations is consistent and has infinite solutions.

a 1 x  b1 y  c 1 z  d 1 

Note that In case a 1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d 2  (Atleast two of d1 , d2 & d3 are not equal)
a 1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d 3 

D = D 1 = D 2 = D 3 = 0. But these three equations represent three parallel planes. Hence the system
is inconsistent.
(iv)If D = 0 but atleast one of D 1, D 2, D 3 is not zero then the equations are inconsistent and
have no solution.

(c) Homogeneous system of linear equations

Let a1x + b1y + c1z = 0 .......(i)
a2x + b2y + c2z = 0 .......(ii)
a3x + b3y + c3z = 0 .......(iii)
 D1 = D 2 = D 3 = 0
 The system always possesses atleast one solution x = 0, y = 0, z = 0, which is called Trivial solution, i.e. this
system is always consistent.
Check value of D

D 0 D=0

Unique Trivial solution Trivial & Non-Trivial solutions (infinite solutions)

Note that if a given system of linear equations has Only Zero solutions for all its variables then the given equations
are said to have TRIVIAL SOLUTION.
Also, note that if the system of equations a1x + b1y + c1 = 0; a2x + b2y + c2 = 0; a3x + b3y + c3 = 0

a1 b1 c1
is always consistent then a 2 b2 c 2  0 but converse is not true.
a3 b3 c3

Ex. Find the nature of solution for the given system of equations :
x + 2y + 3z = 1; 2x + 3y + 4z = 3; 3x + 4y + 5z = 0

1 2 3
Sol. D= 2 3 4 =0
3 4 5

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 MATHS FOR JEE MAIN & ADVANCED

1 2 3
Now, D1 = 3 3 4 =5
0 4 5
 D = 0 but D1  0 Hence no solution.

Ex. Find the value of , if the following equations are consistent :

x + y – 3 = 0; (1 + )x + (2 + )y – 8 = 0; x – (1 + )y + (2 + ) = 0
Sol. The given equations in two unknowns are consistent, then  = 0

1 1 3
i.e. 1   2   8  0
1 (1   ) 2  

Applying C2  C2 – C1 and C3  C3 + 3C1

1 0 0
 1 1 3  5  0
1 2   5 
 (5   )  (3   5)( 2   )  0  3 2  2   5  0
   1,  5 / 3

Ex. If x, y, z are not all simultaneously equal to zero, satisfying the system of equations
sin(3) x – y + z = 0; cos(2)x + 4y + 3z = 0; 2x + 7y + 7z = 0, then find the values of (0   2).
Sol. Given system of equations is a system of homogeneous linear equations which posses non-zero solution set,
therefore D = 0.
sin 3  1 0
sin3  1 1
cos 2  4 7
 D = cos 2  4 3  D= (C3  C3 + C2)
2 7 14
2 7 7

sin 3  1 0
R3
D = cos 2   1 0.5 0 (R2  R2 – )
2
2 7 14

 sin 3  
D = 14   cos 2   1 
 2 
 D=0
 sin3 + 2cos2 – 2 = 0
 3sin– 4sin3 = 4sin2  (sin)(4sin2 + 4sin – 3) = 0
1 3
 (sin)(2sin – 1)(2sin + 3) = 0  sin = 0 ; sin  ; sin = –
2 2
1 1 5 5 3
sin = 0   = 0, , 2 ; sinsin 
  , , ; sin    no solution.
2 2 6 66 6 2
 5
   0, , , , 2 
6 6

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 DETERMINANTS

TIPS & FORMULAS

1. Minors
The minor of any element of determinant is the determinant of the elements which remain after deleting the row &
the column in which the given element stands.
a1 b1 c1
b c2 a1 c1
For example, the minor of a1 in a 2 b2 c 2 is 2 & the minor of b2 is .
b3 c3 a3 c3
a3 b3 c3

Hence a determinant of order threee will have “9 minors”.

2. Cofactors
If Mij represents the minor of the element belonging to ith row and jth column then the cofactor of that element :
Cij = (–1)i + j . Mij
Important Notev :

a1 a2 a3
Consider Δ = b1 b 2 b3
c1 c2 c3

Let A1 be cofactor of a1, B2 be cofactor of b2 and so on, then,

(i) a1A1 + b1B1n + c1C1 = a1A1 + a2A2 + a3A3 = 
(ii) a2A1 + b2B1 + c2C1 = b1A1 + b2A2 + b3A3 = O

3. Properties of Determinants
(a) The value of a determinants remains unaltered, if the rows & columns are interchanged.
(b) If any two rows (or columns) of a determinant be interchanged the value of determinant is changed in sign only.
e.g.

a1 b1 c1 a2 b2 c2
Let D = a2 b2 c2 & D' = a1 b1 c1 Then D’ = – D
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

(c) If a determinant has any two rows (or columns) identical, then its value is zero.
(d) If all the elements of any row (or columns) be multiplied by the same number, then the determinant is multiplied
by that number.

a1 + x b1 + y c1 + z a1 b1 c1 x y z
(e) a2 b2 c2 = a2 b2 c2 + a 2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3 a3 b3 c3

(f) The value of a determinant is not altered by adding to the elements of any row (or column) the multiples
of the corresponding elements of any other row (or column) e.g.

a1 b1 c1
Let D = a2 b2 c2
a3 b3 c3

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a1 + ma 2 b1 + mb 2 c1 + mc 2
D' = a2 b2 c2 . Then D’ = D
a 3 + na1 b3 + nb 2 c3 + nc1

Note : While applying this property atleast one row (or column) must remain unchanged.

(g) If the elements of a determinant  are rational function of x and two rows (or columns) become identical when
x = a, then x – a is a factor of .
Again, if r rows become identical when a is substituted for x, then (x–a)r–1 is a factor of .

f1 f2 f3
(h) If D(x) = g1 g2 g 3 , where fr, gr, hr ; r = 1, 2, 3 are three differential function.
h1 h 2 h3

f'1 f'2 f'3 f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3

d
then D(x) = g1 g 2 g 3 + g'1 g'2 g'3 + g1 g2 g3
dx
h1 h 2 h3 h1 h2 h3 h'1 h'2 h'3

4. Multiplication of two Determinants

a1 b1 l1 m1 a 1l1 + b 2 l2 a1m1 + b1m 2
× =
a2 b2 l2 m2 a 2l1 + b 2 l 2 a 2 m1 + b 2 m 2

Similarly two determinants of order three are multiplied.

(a) Here we have multiplied row by column. We can also multiply row by row, column by row and column by
column.
(b) If D’ is the determinant formed by replacing the elements of determinant D of order n by their corresponding
cofactors then D’ = Dn-1.

5. Special Determinants
(a) Symmetric Determinant
Elements of a determinant are such that aij = aji.

a h g
e.g. h b f = abc + 2fgh – af 2 – bg 2 – ch 2
g f c

(b) Skew Symmetric Determinant

If aij = –aji then the determinant is said to be a skew symmetric determinant. here all the principal diagonal
elements are zero. The value of a skew symmetric determinant of odd order is zero and of even order is
perfect square.

0 b –c
e.g. –b 0 a =0
c –a 0

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 DETERMINANTS

(c) Other Important Determinants

1 1 1 1 1 1
(i) a b c = a b c = (a – b)(b – c)(c – a)
bc ac ab a2 b2 c2

1 1 1
(ii) a b c = (a – b)(b – c)(c – a)(a + b + c)
a3 b3 c3
1 1 1
2
(iii) a b2 c 2 = (a – b)(b – c)(c – a)(ab + bc + ca)
a3 b3 c3

1 1 1
(iv) a b c = (a – b)(b – c)(c – a)(a 2 + b 2 + c 2 – ab – bc – ca)
a4 b4 c4

6. System of Equation
(a) System of equation involving two variable

Consistent Inconsistent
(System of equation has solution) (System of equation has no solution)
a1 b1 c1
= =
Infinite solution a2 b2 c2
unique solution
a1 b1 c1 (Equations represents
a1 b1 = = parallel disjoint lines)
=
a2 b2 a2 b2 c2
or a1b2 -a2b1
0 (Equations represents
(Equations represents coincident lines)
intersecting lines)

b1 c1 c1 a1 a1 b1 1 
If Δ1 = ,Δ 2 = ,Δ = , then x  ,y  2
b2 c2 c2 a2 a2 b2  
b1c 2 – b 2 c1 a c –a c
or x= ;y = 2 1 1 2
a1b 2 – a 2 b1 a1b 2 – a 2 b1

(b) System of Equations Involving three Variables

a 1x + b 1y + c 1z = d 1
a 2x + b 2y + c 2z = d 2
a3x + b3y + c3z = d3

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To solve this system we first define following determinants

a1 b1 c1 d1 b1 c1
Δ = a2 b2 c2 1 = d 2 b2 c2
, ,
a3 b3 c3 d3 b3 c3

a1 d1 c1 a1 b1 d1
Δ2 = a 2 d2 c2 Δ3 = a 2 b2 d2
,
a3 d3 c3 a3 b3 d3

Now following algorithm is used to solve the system.



0  =
0
Consistent system Check the values of
and has unique solution 1,2 and 3
  
x =  1, y = 2, z = 3


Atleast one of 1,2 and 3 1= 2 = 3 = 0

is not zero

Put z = t and solve any

Inconsistent system two equations to get the
values of x & y in terms of t

If these values of x, y and z in The values of x, y and z dosen’t

terms of t satisfy third equation satisfy third equation

Inconsistent system
Consistent system
(System has infinite solutions)

Note
(i) Trival Solution : In the solution set of system of equation if all the variables assumes zero, then such a solution set
is called Trival solution otherwise the solution is called non-trival solution.
(ii) If d1 = d2 = d3 = 0 then system of linear equation is known as system of Homogeneous linear equation which always
posses atleast one solution (0, 0, 0).
(iii) If system of homogeneous linear equation posses non-zero/non-trival solution then  = 0. In such case given
system has infinite solutions.

252