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MathsAges 16-18

2×2 matrix determinants

Evaluate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of a 2 × 2 matrix from its leading and secondary diagonals. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

2×2 matrix determinants

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 10], [4, 5]].

    abcd
    M = [ 5 10 ; 4 5 ] · det(M) = (5×5) − (10×4)
  2. 2. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[3, 6], [9, 3]].

    abcd
    M = [ 3 6 ; 9 3 ] · det(M) = (3×3) − (6×9)
  3. 3. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 10], [1, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 6 10 ; 1 9 ] · det(M) = (6×9) − (10×1)
  4. 4. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 1], [2, 6]].

    abcd
    M = [ 2 1 ; 2 6 ] · det(M) = (2×6) − (1×2)
  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 8], [4, 12]].

    abcd
    M = [ 2 8 ; 4 12 ] · det(M) = (2×12) − (8×4)
  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 5], [7, 6]].

    abcd
    M = [ 5 5 ; 7 6 ] · det(M) = (5×6) − (5×7)
  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 2], [7, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 6 2 ; 7 9 ] · det(M) = (6×9) − (2×7)
  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[7, 3], [4, 3]].

    abcd
    M = [ 7 3 ; 4 3 ] · det(M) = (7×3) − (3×4)
  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 10], [7, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 2 10 ; 7 9 ] · det(M) = (2×9) − (10×7)
  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 1], [9, 3]].

    abcd
    M = [ 4 1 ; 9 3 ] · det(M) = (4×3) − (1×9)
  11. 11. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[9, 8], [6, 5]].

    abcd
    M = [ 9 8 ; 6 5 ] · det(M) = (9×5) − (8×6)
  12. 12. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 10], [7, 4]].

    abcd
    M = [ 2 10 ; 7 4 ] · det(M) = (2×4) − (10×7)
12 questions · Seed 104737 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
View the answer key
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

2×2 matrix determinants

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 10], [4, 5]].

    -15

    det(M) = (5 × 5) − (10 × 4) = 25 − 40 = -15.

  2. 2. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[3, 6], [9, 3]].

    -45

    det(M) = (3 × 3) − (6 × 9) = 9 − 54 = -45.

  3. 3. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 10], [1, 9]].

    44

    det(M) = (6 × 9) − (10 × 1) = 54 − 10 = 44.

  4. 4. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 1], [2, 6]].

    10

    det(M) = (2 × 6) − (1 × 2) = 12 − 2 = 10.

  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 8], [4, 12]].

    -8

    det(M) = (2 × 12) − (8 × 4) = 24 − 32 = -8.

  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 5], [7, 6]].

    -5

    det(M) = (5 × 6) − (5 × 7) = 30 − 35 = -5.

  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 2], [7, 9]].

    40

    det(M) = (6 × 9) − (2 × 7) = 54 − 14 = 40.

  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[7, 3], [4, 3]].

    9

    det(M) = (7 × 3) − (3 × 4) = 21 − 12 = 9.

  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 10], [7, 9]].

    -52

    det(M) = (2 × 9) − (10 × 7) = 18 − 70 = -52.

  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 1], [9, 3]].

    3

    det(M) = (4 × 3) − (1 × 9) = 12 − 9 = 3.

  11. 11. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[9, 8], [6, 5]].

    -3

    det(M) = (9 × 5) − (8 × 6) = 45 − 48 = -3.

  12. 12. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 10], [7, 4]].

    -62

    det(M) = (2 × 4) − (10 × 7) = 8 − 70 = -62.

12 questions · Seed 104737 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification