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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, 4]].

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

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

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

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 11 3 ; 6 11 ] · det(M) = (11×11) − (3×6)
  8. 8. Calculate the determinant det(M) = ad − bc of the 2×2 matrix M = [[8, 4], [7, 7]].

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

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

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

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

    abcd
    M = [ 2 5 ; 9 5 ] · det(M) = (2×5) − (5×9)
12 questions · Seed 60 · 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, 4]].

    -49

    det(M) = (8 × 4) − (9 × 9) = 32 − 81 = -49.

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

    -50

    det(M) = (5 × 6) − (8 × 10) = 30 − 80 = -50.

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

    -30

    det(M) = (6 × 2) − (7 × 6) = 12 − 42 = -30.

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

    -31

    det(M) = (5 × 5) − (7 × 8) = 25 − 56 = -31.

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

    6

    det(M) = (10 × 3) − (8 × 3) = 30 − 24 = 6.

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

    -42

    det(M) = (3 × 6) − (10 × 6) = 18 − 60 = -42.

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

    103

    det(M) = (11 × 11) − (3 × 6) = 121 − 18 = 103.

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

    28

    det(M) = (8 × 7) − (4 × 7) = 56 − 28 = 28.

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

    25

    det(M) = (10 × 7) − (9 × 5) = 70 − 45 = 25.

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

    54

    det(M) = (7 × 10) − (2 × 8) = 70 − 16 = 54.

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

    -21

    det(M) = (3 × 8) − (5 × 9) = 24 − 45 = -21.

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

    -35

    det(M) = (2 × 5) − (5 × 9) = 10 − 45 = -35.

12 questions · Seed 60 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification