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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 = [[4, 7], [1, 2]].

    abcd
    M = [ 4 7 ; 1 2 ] · det(M) = (4×2) − (7×1)
  2. 2. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 10], [2, 4]].

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 5 8 ; 1 4 ] · det(M) = (5×4) − (8×1)
  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[3, 4], [10, 6]].

    abcd
    M = [ 3 4 ; 10 6 ] · det(M) = (3×6) − (4×10)
  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 10], [7, 8]].

    abcd
    M = [ 5 10 ; 7 8 ] · det(M) = (5×8) − (10×7)
  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 9], [3, 11]].

    abcd
    M = [ 6 9 ; 3 11 ] · det(M) = (6×11) − (9×3)
  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 3], [5, 7]].

    abcd
    M = [ 5 3 ; 5 7 ] · det(M) = (5×7) − (3×5)
  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 8], [9, 11]].

    abcd
    M = [ 4 8 ; 9 11 ] · det(M) = (4×11) − (8×9)
  11. 11. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[2, 7], [8, 5]].

    abcd
    M = [ 2 7 ; 8 5 ] · det(M) = (2×5) − (7×8)
  12. 12. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 5], [8, 3]].

    abcd
    M = [ 6 5 ; 8 3 ] · det(M) = (6×3) − (5×8)
12 questions · Seed 49 · 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 = [[4, 7], [1, 2]].

    1

    det(M) = (4 × 2) − (7 × 1) = 8 − 7 = 1.

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

    28

    det(M) = (12 × 4) − (10 × 2) = 48 − 20 = 28.

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

    -80

    det(M) = (2 × 10) − (10 × 10) = 20 − 100 = -80.

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

    70

    det(M) = (10 × 10) − (5 × 6) = 100 − 30 = 70.

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

    12

    det(M) = (5 × 4) − (8 × 1) = 20 − 8 = 12.

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

    -22

    det(M) = (3 × 6) − (4 × 10) = 18 − 40 = -22.

  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 10], [7, 8]].

    -30

    det(M) = (5 × 8) − (10 × 7) = 40 − 70 = -30.

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

    39

    det(M) = (6 × 11) − (9 × 3) = 66 − 27 = 39.

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

    20

    det(M) = (5 × 7) − (3 × 5) = 35 − 15 = 20.

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

    -28

    det(M) = (4 × 11) − (8 × 9) = 44 − 72 = -28.

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

    -46

    det(M) = (2 × 5) − (7 × 8) = 10 − 56 = -46.

  12. 12. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 5], [8, 3]].

    -22

    det(M) = (6 × 3) − (5 × 8) = 18 − 40 = -22.

12 questions · Seed 49 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification