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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, 5], [7, 5]].

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 3 6 ; 6 10 ] · det(M) = (3×10) − (6×6)
  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 3], [5, 7]].

    abcd
    M = [ 12 3 ; 5 7 ] · det(M) = (12×7) − (3×5)
  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 7], [1, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 4 7 ; 1 9 ] · det(M) = (4×9) − (7×1)
  7. 7. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[11, 10], [2, 6]].

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

    abcd
    M = [ 9 9 ; 9 12 ] · det(M) = (9×12) − (9×9)
  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 10], [1, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 12 10 ; 1 9 ] · det(M) = (12×9) − (10×1)
  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 1], [3, 6]].

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 5 1 ; 1 4 ] · det(M) = (5×4) − (1×1)
12 questions · Seed 50 · 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, 5], [7, 5]].

    0

    det(M) = (7 × 5) − (5 × 7) = 35 − 35 = 0.

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

    48

    det(M) = (6 × 12) − (8 × 3) = 72 − 24 = 48.

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

    -9

    det(M) = (5 × 3) − (3 × 8) = 15 − 24 = -9.

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

    -6

    det(M) = (3 × 10) − (6 × 6) = 30 − 36 = -6.

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

    69

    det(M) = (12 × 7) − (3 × 5) = 84 − 15 = 69.

  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[4, 7], [1, 9]].

    29

    det(M) = (4 × 9) − (7 × 1) = 36 − 7 = 29.

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

    46

    det(M) = (11 × 6) − (10 × 2) = 66 − 20 = 46.

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

    27

    det(M) = (9 × 12) − (9 × 9) = 108 − 81 = 27.

  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 10], [1, 9]].

    98

    det(M) = (12 × 9) − (10 × 1) = 108 − 10 = 98.

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

    21

    det(M) = (4 × 6) − (1 × 3) = 24 − 3 = 21.

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

    -7

    det(M) = (3 × 3) − (4 × 4) = 9 − 16 = -7.

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

    19

    det(M) = (5 × 4) − (1 × 1) = 20 − 1 = 19.

12 questions · Seed 50 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification