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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 = [[3, 9], [1, 12]].

    abcd
    M = [ 3 9 ; 1 12 ] · det(M) = (3×12) − (9×1)
  2. 2. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 3], [5, 4]].

    abcd
    M = [ 8 3 ; 5 4 ] · det(M) = (8×4) − (3×5)
  3. 3. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 1], [4, 9]].

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

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

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 7 7 ; 10 3 ] · det(M) = (7×3) − (7×10)
  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 7], [7, 9]].

    abcd
    M = [ 12 7 ; 7 9 ] · det(M) = (12×9) − (7×7)
  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 1], [7, 11]].

    abcd
    M = [ 12 1 ; 7 11 ] · det(M) = (12×11) − (1×7)
  11. 11. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 5], [5, 3]].

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

    abcd
    M = [ 8 7 ; 8 6 ] · det(M) = (8×6) − (7×8)
12 questions · Seed 51 · 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 = [[3, 9], [1, 12]].

    27

    det(M) = (3 × 12) − (9 × 1) = 36 − 9 = 27.

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

    17

    det(M) = (8 × 4) − (3 × 5) = 32 − 15 = 17.

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

    104

    det(M) = (12 × 9) − (1 × 4) = 108 − 4 = 104.

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

    4

    det(M) = (3 × 4) − (2 × 4) = 12 − 8 = 4.

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

    36

    det(M) = (6 × 12) − (9 × 4) = 72 − 36 = 36.

  6. 6. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[6, 10], [7, 9]].

    -16

    det(M) = (6 × 9) − (10 × 7) = 54 − 70 = -16.

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

    9

    det(M) = (9 × 7) − (9 × 6) = 63 − 54 = 9.

  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[7, 7], [10, 3]].

    -49

    det(M) = (7 × 3) − (7 × 10) = 21 − 70 = -49.

  9. 9. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 7], [7, 9]].

    59

    det(M) = (12 × 9) − (7 × 7) = 108 − 49 = 59.

  10. 10. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[12, 1], [7, 11]].

    125

    det(M) = (12 × 11) − (1 × 7) = 132 − 7 = 125.

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

    -1

    det(M) = (8 × 3) − (5 × 5) = 24 − 25 = -1.

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

    -8

    det(M) = (8 × 6) − (7 × 8) = 48 − 56 = -8.

12 questions · Seed 51 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification