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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 = [[7, 7], [9, 3]].

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 11 9 ; 6 6 ] · det(M) = (11×6) − (9×6)
  4. 4. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[10, 5], [7, 12]].

    abcd
    M = [ 10 5 ; 7 12 ] · det(M) = (10×12) − (5×7)
  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 5], [2, 3]].

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

    abcd
    M = [ 5 1 ; 2 11 ] · det(M) = (5×11) − (1×2)
  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 8], [5, 7]].

    abcd
    M = [ 6 8 ; 5 7 ] · det(M) = (6×7) − (8×5)
  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 1], [4, 10]].

    abcd
    M = [ 8 1 ; 4 10 ] · det(M) = (8×10) − (1×4)
  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[11, 6], [5, 5]].

    abcd
    M = [ 11 6 ; 5 5 ] · det(M) = (11×5) − (6×5)
  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 10], [10, 6]].

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 5 1 ; 8 9 ] · det(M) = (5×9) − (1×8)
12 questions · Seed 44 · 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 = [[7, 7], [9, 3]].

    -42

    det(M) = (7 × 3) − (7 × 9) = 21 − 63 = -42.

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

    -18

    det(M) = (6 × 9) − (9 × 8) = 54 − 72 = -18.

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

    12

    det(M) = (11 × 6) − (9 × 6) = 66 − 54 = 12.

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

    85

    det(M) = (10 × 12) − (5 × 7) = 120 − 35 = 85.

  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 5], [2, 3]].

    5

    det(M) = (5 × 3) − (5 × 2) = 15 − 10 = 5.

  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 1], [2, 11]].

    53

    det(M) = (5 × 11) − (1 × 2) = 55 − 2 = 53.

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

    2

    det(M) = (6 × 7) − (8 × 5) = 42 − 40 = 2.

  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 1], [4, 10]].

    76

    det(M) = (8 × 10) − (1 × 4) = 80 − 4 = 76.

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

    25

    det(M) = (11 × 5) − (6 × 5) = 55 − 30 = 25.

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

    -88

    det(M) = (2 × 6) − (10 × 10) = 12 − 100 = -88.

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

    7

    det(M) = (4 × 8) − (5 × 5) = 32 − 25 = 7.

  12. 12. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 1], [8, 9]].

    37

    det(M) = (5 × 9) − (1 × 8) = 45 − 8 = 37.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification