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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 = [[8, 9], [9, 5]].

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

    abcd
    M = [ 9 5 ; 7 7 ] · det(M) = (9×7) − (5×7)
  3. 3. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[3, 2], [3, 8]].

    abcd
    M = [ 3 2 ; 3 8 ] · det(M) = (3×8) − (2×3)
  4. 4. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 3], [7, 12]].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 8 5 ; 4 11 ] · det(M) = (8×11) − (5×4)
12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = [[8, 9], [9, 5]].

    -41

    det(M) = (8 × 5) − (9 × 9) = 40 − 81 = -41.

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

    28

    det(M) = (9 × 7) − (5 × 7) = 63 − 35 = 28.

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

    18

    det(M) = (3 × 8) − (2 × 3) = 24 − 6 = 18.

  4. 4. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 3], [7, 12]].

    3

    det(M) = (2 × 12) − (3 × 7) = 24 − 21 = 3.

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

    0

    det(M) = (5 × 2) − (5 × 2) = 10 − 10 = 0.

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

    70

    det(M) = (10 × 11) − (10 × 4) = 110 − 40 = 70.

  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[11, 10], [10, 9]].

    -1

    det(M) = (11 × 9) − (10 × 10) = 99 − 100 = -1.

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

    49

    det(M) = (7 × 12) − (7 × 5) = 84 − 35 = 49.

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

    0

    det(M) = (2 × 8) − (4 × 4) = 16 − 16 = 0.

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

    15

    det(M) = (5 × 11) − (5 × 8) = 55 − 40 = 15.

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

    78

    det(M) = (11 × 8) − (2 × 5) = 88 − 10 = 78.

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

    68

    det(M) = (8 × 11) − (5 × 4) = 88 − 20 = 68.

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification