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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 = [[2, 7], [5, 10]].

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 4 5 ; 9 12 ] · det(M) = (4×12) − (5×9)
  5. 5. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 3], [4, 7]].

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 10 7 ; 9 8 ] · det(M) = (10×8) − (7×9)
  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 9], [1, 5]].

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 9 2 ; 1 8 ] · det(M) = (9×8) − (2×1)
  11. 11. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[5, 3], [1, 7]].

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

    abcd
    M = [ 6 9 ; 9 9 ] · det(M) = (6×9) − (9×9)
12 questions · Seed 58 · 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 = [[2, 7], [5, 10]].

    -15

    det(M) = (2 × 10) − (7 × 5) = 20 − 35 = -15.

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

    -20

    det(M) = (2 × 2) − (3 × 8) = 4 − 24 = -20.

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

    13

    det(M) = (5 × 9) − (4 × 8) = 45 − 32 = 13.

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

    3

    det(M) = (4 × 12) − (5 × 9) = 48 − 45 = 3.

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

    44

    det(M) = (8 × 7) − (3 × 4) = 56 − 12 = 44.

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

    55

    det(M) = (9 × 10) − (5 × 7) = 90 − 35 = 55.

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

    17

    det(M) = (10 × 8) − (7 × 9) = 80 − 63 = 17.

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

    31

    det(M) = (8 × 5) − (9 × 1) = 40 − 9 = 31.

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

    8

    det(M) = (4 × 5) − (6 × 2) = 20 − 12 = 8.

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

    70

    det(M) = (9 × 8) − (2 × 1) = 72 − 2 = 70.

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

    32

    det(M) = (5 × 7) − (3 × 1) = 35 − 3 = 32.

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

    -27

    det(M) = (6 × 9) − (9 × 9) = 54 − 81 = -27.

12 questions · Seed 58 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification