Matrices

Previous Year’s CBSE Board

Based on Formation of Matrices and Elements

1. Write the elements 𝑎23 of a 3 × 3 matrix A = [𝑎𝑖𝑗 ] whose elements 𝑎𝑖𝑗 are given by 𝑎𝑖𝑗 =
|𝑖−𝑗|
.
2

[CBSE 2015]
Solution
|𝑖−𝑗|
Here, 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 2
|2−3| 1
∴ 𝑎23 = =2 [𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑖 = 2, 𝑗 = 3]
2

2. Write the number of all possible matrices of order 2 × 2 with each entry 1, 2 or 3.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

As, matrix is of order 2 × 2, so there are 4 entries possible.

Each entry has 3 choices i.e., 1, 2 or 3. So, the number of ways make such matrices is 3 ×
3 × 3 × 3 = 81.

3. Construct a 2 × 2 matric A = [𝑎𝑖𝑗 ] whose elements are given by 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = |(𝑖)2 − 𝑗|.
[CBSE 2020]
Solution
Here, 𝑎11 = |(𝑎)2 − 1| = 0, 𝑎12 = |(1)2 − 2| = 1, 𝑎21
= |(2)2 − 1| = 3 and 𝑎22 = |(2)2 − 2| = 2
0 1
∴ Required matrix = [ ].
3 2

1
 1
4. The elements 𝑎𝑖𝑗 of 3 × 3 matrix are given by 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = |−3𝑖 + 𝑗|. Write the value of
2

elements 𝑎32 .
[CBSE 2014C]
Solution

1
Here, 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 2 |−3𝑖 + 𝑗|
1
∴ 𝑎32 = 2 |= 3.3 + 2| [𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑖 = 3, 𝑗 = 2]
1 1 7
= |−9 + 2| = |−7| =
2 2 2

Equality of Matrices

𝑎 + 4 3𝑏 2𝑎 + 2 𝑏+2
5. If ( )=( ), write the value of 𝑎 − 2𝑏.
8 −6 8 𝑎 − 8𝑏
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

𝑎 + 4 3𝑏 2𝑎 + 2 𝑏+2
Given, ( )=( )
8 −6 8 𝑎 − 8𝑏
By equality of two matrices, we get
𝑎 + 4 = 2𝑎 + 2, 3𝑏 = 𝑏 + 2, −6 = 𝑎 − 8𝑏
On solving these equations, we get 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 1.
So, 𝑎 − 2𝑏 = 0.

𝑥−𝑦 𝑧 −1 4
6. If [2𝑥 − 𝑦 𝑤 ] = [ 0 5], find the value of 𝑥 + 𝑦.
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

𝑥−𝑦 𝑧 −1 4
Here, [2𝑥 − 𝑦 𝑤 ] = [ 0 5]
By equality of two matrices, we get
⇒ 𝑥 − 𝑦 = −1, 𝑧 = 4, 2𝑥 − 𝑦 = 0, 𝑤 = 5

2
 Solving these equations for x and y, we get
𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 = 2 ∴ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1 + 2 = 3.

𝑥. 𝑦 4 8 𝑤
7. If [ ]=[ ], write the value of (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧).
𝑧+6 𝑥+𝑦 0 6
[CBSE 2014C]
Solution

𝑥. 𝑦 4 8 𝑤
Here, [ ]=[ ]
𝑧+6 𝑥+𝑦 0 6
By equality of two matrices, we get
⇒ 𝑥. 𝑦 = 8, 𝑤 = 4
𝑧 + 6 = 0, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 6
⇒ 𝑧 = −6, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 6
⇒ 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 6 − 6 = 0.

8. Find the value of a if

𝑎−𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑐 −1 5
[ ]=[ ]
2𝑎 − 𝑏 3𝑐 + 𝑑 0 13
[CBSE 2013]
Solution
𝑎−𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑐 −1 5
Given, [ ]=[ ]
2𝑎 − 𝑏 3𝑐 + 𝑑 0 13
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get 𝑎 − 𝑏 = −1, 2𝑎 − 𝑏 = 0
On subtraction, we get 𝑎 = 1.

𝑥−𝑦 2𝑦 1 4
9. If [ ]=[ ], then write the value of (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧).
2𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑥+𝑦 9 5
[CBSE 2013C]
3
 Solution

𝑥−𝑦 2𝑦 1 4
[ ]=[ ]
2𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑥+𝑦 9 5
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 1, 2𝑦 = 4, 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 9, 𝑥 +
𝑦=5
⇒ 𝑦 = 2, 𝑥 = 3, 𝑧 = 5
∴ 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 3 + 2 + 5 = 10.

2𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑎 − 2𝑏 4 −3
10. If [ ]=[ ], then value of 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑐 + 2𝑑 is
5𝑐 − 𝑑 4𝑐 + 3𝑑 11 24
(a) 8 (b) 10 (c) 4 (d) – 8
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]
Solution

(a) : From the definition of equality of two matrices, we have,

2𝑎 + 𝑏 = 4 …(i)
𝑎 − 2𝑏 = −3 …(ii)
5𝑐 − 𝑑 = 11 …(iii)
4𝑐 + 3𝑑 = 24 …(iv)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get
5𝑎 = 5 ⇒ 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 2
Solving (iii) and (iv), we get
19𝐶 = 57 ⇒ 𝑐 = 3, 𝑑 = 4
∴ 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑐 + 2𝑑 = 1 + 2 − 3 + 8 = 8

4
 Operations on Matrices

3 4 1 𝑦 7 0
11. If 2 [ ]+[ ]=[ ], find (𝑥 − 𝑦).
5 𝑥 0 1 10 5
[CBSE 2014]
Solution

3 4 1 𝑦 7 0
We have, 2 [ ]+[ ]=[ ]
5 𝑥 0 1 10 5
6 8 1 𝑦 7 0
⇒[ ]+[ ]=[ ]
10 2𝑥 0 1 10 5
7 8+𝑦 7 0
⇒[ ]=[ ]
10 2𝑥 + 1 10 5
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get
8 + 𝑦 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2𝑥 + 1 = 5 ⇒ 𝑦 = −8 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 2
∴ 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2 + 8 = 10

9 −1 4 1 2 −1
12. If [ ]=𝐴+[ ], then find the matrix A.
−2 1 3 0 4 9
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

9 −1 4 1 2 −1
𝐴=[ ]−[ ]
−2 1 3 0 4 9
(−1) 8 −35 5
⇒ 𝐴 = [ 9 − 1 −1 − 2 4 − ]=[ ]
−2 − 0 1 − 4 3−9 −2 −3 −6

4 2
13. If A = [ ], then (𝐴 − 2𝐼)(𝐴 − 3𝐼) is equal to
−1 1
(a) A (b) I (c) 5I (d) O
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution
Ans-d

5
 1 −1 𝑎 1
14. If A = [ ] and B = [ ] and (𝐴 + 𝐵)2 = 𝐴2 + 𝐵 2 , then find the values of a and
2 −1 𝑏 −1
b.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

1 −1 𝑎 1
We have, A = [ ] and B = [ ]
2 −1 𝑏 −1
1 −1 𝑎 1 1+𝑎 0
Consider, (A + B) = [ ]+[ ]=[ ]
2 −1 𝑏 −1 2+𝑏 −2
1+𝑎 0 1+𝑎 0
Now, (𝐴 + 𝐵)2 = [ ][ ]
2 + 𝑏 −2 2 + 𝑏 −2
(1 + 𝑎)2 0 (𝑎 + 𝑎)2 0
=[ ]=[ ]
(2 + 𝑏)(1 + 𝑎 − 2) 4 (2𝑏)(𝑎 − 1) 4
1 −1 1 −1
Now, consider A2 = [ ][ ]
2 −1 2 −1
1−2 −1 + 1 −1 0
=[ ]=[ ]
2−2 −2 + 1 0 −1
𝑎 1 𝑎 1 2
and B2 = [ ][ ] = [𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑎 − 1]
𝑏 −1 𝑏 −1 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 𝑏+1
2
∴ 𝐴2 + 𝐵 2 = [
−1 0
] + [𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑎 − 1] = [𝑎2 + 𝑏 − 1 𝑎 − 1]
0 −1 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 𝑏+1 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 𝑏
It is given that, (𝐴 + 𝐵)2 = 𝐴2 + 𝐵 2
(1 + 𝑎)2 0 2
∴ [ ] = [𝑎 + 𝑏 − 1 𝑎 − 1]
(2 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 1) 4 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 𝑏
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get
𝑎 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏 = 4
Also, (1 + 𝑎)2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 − 1 and (2 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 1) = 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏 satisfied by 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏 =
4
Therefore, 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏 = 4.

1 −1
15. If matrix A = [ ] and 𝐴2 = 𝑘𝐴, then write the value of k.
−1 1
[CBSE 2013]

6
 Solution

1 −1
Here, A = [ ] and A2 = kA
−1 1
1 −1 1 −1 1 −1
⇒[ ][ ] = 𝑘[ ]
−1 1 −1 1 −1 1
2 −2 1 −1
⇒[ ] = 𝑘[ ]
−2 2 −1 1
1 −1 1 −1
⇒ 2[ ] = 𝑘[ ] ⇒𝑘=2
−1 1 −1 1

1, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖 ≠ 𝑗
16. If A = [𝑎𝑖𝑗 ] is a square matric of order 2 such that 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = { , then A2 is
0, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑖 = 𝑗
1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
(a) [ ] (b) | | (c) [ ] (d) [ ]
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]
Solution
0 1
(d) We have, 𝐴 = [ ]
1 0
0 1 0 1 0+1 0+0 1 0
∴ 𝐴2 = [ ][ ]=[ ]=[ ]
1 0 1 0 0+0 1+0 0 1

0 2 0 3𝑎
17. If A = [ ] amd 𝑘𝐴 = [ ], then the values of k, a and b respectively are
3 −4 2𝑏 24
(a) −6, −12, −18 (b) −6, −4, −9 (c) −6, 4, 9 (d) −6, 12, 18
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]
Solution
0 2 0 2𝑘
(b) : We have, 𝐴 = [ ] ⇒ 𝑘𝐴 = [ ]
3 −4 3𝑘 −4𝑘
0 3𝑎 0 2𝑘
⇒ [ ]=[ ] (Given)
2𝑏 24 3𝑘 −4𝑘
⇒ −4𝑘 = 24, 3𝑎 = 2𝑘, 2𝑏 = 3𝑘 ⇒ 𝑘 = −6, 𝑎 = −4, 𝑏 = −9
𝛼 𝛽
18. Given that 𝐴 = [ ] and A2 = 3I, then
𝛾 −𝛼
(a) 1 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛽𝛾 = 0 (b) 1 − 𝛼 2 − 𝛽𝛾 = 0
(c) 3 − 𝛼 2 − 𝛽𝛾 = 0 (d) 3 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛽𝛾 = 0
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]

7
 Solution
𝛼 𝛽
(c) : We have, 𝐴 = [ ]
𝛾 −𝛼
𝛼 𝛽 𝛼 𝛽 𝛼 2 + 𝛽𝛾 0
⇒ 𝐴2 = [ ][ ]=[ ]
𝛾 −𝛼 𝛾 −𝛼 0 𝛾𝛽 + 𝛼 2
But A2 = 3I
𝛼 2 + 𝛽𝛾 0 3 0
⇒ [ 2 ]=[ ]
0 𝛼 + 𝛽𝛾 0 3
⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽𝛾 = 3 ⇒ 3 − 𝛼 2 − 𝛽𝛾 = 0
19. Suppose P and Q are two different matrices of order 3 × n and n × p, then the order of the
matric P × Q is
(a) 3 × p (b) p × 3 (c) n × n (d) 3 × 3
[CBSE SQP 2019-20]
Solution
(a) : Given, P is a 3 × n matrix and Q is a n × p matrix. So, order of P × Q is 3 × p.

20. If A and B are matrices of order 3 × n and m × 5 respectively, then find the order of
matrix 5A – 3B, given that it is defined.
[CBSE SQP 2020-21]
Solution
For addition or subtraction of two matices to be defined, the two matrices should be of
same order.
∴ 3 × 𝑛 = 𝑚 × 5 ⇒ 𝑚 = 3 and 𝑛 = 5
So, order of matrix (5𝐴 − 3𝐵) is 3 × 5 and 𝑚 ≠ 𝑛.

21. Find the value of A2, where A is a 2 × 2 matrix whose elements are given by 𝑎𝑖𝑗 =
1 𝑖𝑓 𝑖≠𝑗
{ .
0 𝑖𝑓 𝑖=𝑗
[CBSE SQP 2020-21]
Solution
1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑖 ≠𝑗
Given, 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = {
0, 𝑖𝑓 𝑖=𝑗

8
 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
∴ 𝐴=[ ] ⇒ 𝐴2 = [ ][ ]=[ ]
1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1

1 3 𝑦 0 5 6
22. If 2[ ]+[ ]=[ ], then write the value of (𝑥 + 𝑦).
0 𝑥 1 2 1 8
[CBSE 2013C]
Solution
1 3 𝑦 0 5 6
Given, 2 [ ]+[ ]=[ ]
0 𝑥 1 2 1 8
2 6 𝑦 0 5 6
⇒ [ ]+[ ]=[ ]
0 2𝑥 1 2 1 8
2+𝑦 6 5 6
⇒ [ ]=[ ]
1 2𝑥 + 2 1 8
⇒ 2 + 𝑦 = 5, 2𝑥 + 2 = 8 ⇒ 𝑦 = 3, 𝑥 = 3 ∴ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 6
−2 2 0
23. Find a matrix A such that 2𝐴 − 3𝐵 + 5𝐶 = 𝑂, where 𝐵 = [ ] and C =
3 1 4
2 0 −2
[ ].
7 1 6
[CBSE 2019]
Solution
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
Let A = [𝑝 𝑞 𝑟] [∵ B and C are matrices of order 2 × 3]
Given, 2𝐴 − 3𝐵 + 5𝐶 = 𝑂
1
⇒ 2𝐴 = 3𝐵 − 5𝐶 ⇒ 𝐴 = 2 [3𝐵 − 5𝐶] …(i)
−2 2 0 2 0 −2
Now, 3𝐵 − 5𝐶 = 3 [ ] − 5[ ]
3 1 4 7 1 6
−6 6 0 10 0 −10 −16 6 10
=[ ]−[ ]=[ ]
9 3 12 35 5 30 −26 −2 −18
−8 3 5
From (i), we get 𝐴 = [ ].
−13 −1 −9

2 −1 5 2 2 5
24. Let A = ( ),𝐵 = ( ),𝐶 = ( ), find matrix D such that 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑂.
3 4 7 4 3 8
[CBSE 2017]

9
 Solution
We have,
2 −1 5 2 2 5
A=[ ],𝐵 = [ ],𝐶 = [ ]
3 4 7 4 3 8
𝑎 𝑏
Let, D = [ ]
𝑐 𝑑
Now, CD – AB = O
2 5 𝑎 𝑏 2 −1 5 2 0 0
∴ [ ][ ]−[ ][ ]=[ ]
3 8 𝑐 𝑑 3 4 7 4 0 0
2𝑎 + 5𝑐 2𝑏 + 5𝑑 10 − 7 4−4 0 0
⇒ [ ]−[ ]=[ ]
3𝑎 + 8𝑐 3𝑏 + 8𝑑 15 + 28 6 + 16 0 0
2𝑎 + 5𝑐 − 3 2𝑏 + 5𝑑 0 0
⇒ [ ]=[ ]
3𝑎 + 8𝑐 − 43 3𝑏 + 8𝑑 − 22 0 0
On comparing the corresponding elements matrices, we get
2𝑎 + 5𝑐 − 3 = 0 …(i)
and 3𝑎 + 8𝑐 − 43 = 0 …(ii)
Also, 2𝑏 + 5𝑑 = 0 …(iii)
and 3𝑏 + 8𝑑 − 22 = 0 …(iv)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get
𝑎 = −191, 𝑐 = 77
Solving (iii) and (iv), we get
𝑏 = −110, 𝑑 = 44
−191 −110
∴ D=[ ]
77 44

25. Find matrix A such that

2 −1 −1 −8
[1 0 ] 𝐴 = [ 1 −2]
−3 4 9 22
[CBSE 2017]
Solution

2 −1 −1 −8
Given that, [ 1 0] 𝐴=[ 1 −2]
−3 4 9 22

10
 2 −1 −1 −8
Let X = [ 1 0] 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑌 = [ 1 −2]
−3 4 3 ×2 9 22 3 ×2
As order of X is 3 × 2, then A should be of order 2 × 2, so that we get Y matrix of order 3
× 2.
𝑎 𝑏
Let A = [ ]
𝑐 𝑑
2 −1 −1 −8
𝑎 𝑏
Now, [ 1 0][ ] = [ 1 −2]
𝑐 𝑑
−3 4 9 22
2𝑎 − 𝑐 2𝑏 − 𝑑 −1 −8
⇒ [ 𝑎+0 𝑏 + 0 ] = [ 1 −2]
−3𝑎 + 4𝑐 −3𝑏 + 4𝑑 9 22
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get
2𝑎 − 𝑐 = −1 …(i)
2𝑏 − 𝑑 = −8 …(ii)
𝑎=1 …(iii)
and 𝑏 = −2 …(iv)
Substituting 𝑎 = 1 in (i), we get
𝑐=3
and substituting 𝑏 = −2 in (ii), we get
𝑑=4
1 −2
So, A = [ ]
3 4

2 0 1
26. If A = [2 1 3], find A2 – 5A + 4I and hence find a matrix X such that 𝐴2 − 5𝐴 +
1 −1 0
4𝐼 + 𝑋 = 𝑂.
[CBSE 2015]

Solution

2 0 1
Given, A = [2 1 3]
1 −1 0

11
 Now, 𝐴2 − 5𝐴 + 4𝐼
2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0
= [2 1 3] [2 1 3] − 5 [2 1 3] + 4 [0 1 0]
1 −1 0 1 −1 0 1 −1 0 0 0 1
5 −1 2 10 0 5 4 0 0
= [9 −2 5 ] − [10 5 15] + [0 4 0]
0 −1 −2 5 −5 0 0 0 4
9 −1 2 10 0 5 −1 −1 −3
= [9 2 5] − [10 5 15] = [−1 −3 −10]
0 −1 2 5 −5 0 −5 4 2
Since, 𝐴2 − 5𝐴 + 4𝐼 + 𝑋 = 𝑂
⇒ 𝑋 = −(𝐴2 − 5𝐴 + 4𝐼)
1 1 3
∴ 𝑋 = [1 3 10 ]
5 −4 −2
−1 0 −1 1
27. If [2 1 3] [−1 1 0 ] [ 0 ] = 𝐴, then write the order of matrix A.
0 1 1 −1
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

−1 0 −1 1
Given, 𝐴 = [2 13] [−1 1 0 ] [ 0 ]
0 1 1 −1
1 1
= −2 − 1 1 + 3 −2 + 3 [ 0 ] = [−3 4
[ ] ]
1 [0]
−1 −1
= [−3 + 0 − 1] = [−4]
∴ The order of matrix A = 1 × 1

28. Solve the following matrix equation for x:

[𝑥 1] [ 1 0] = 𝑂
−2 0
[CBSE 2014]
Solution
1 0
Given, [𝑥 1] [ ] = 0 ⇒ [𝑥 − 2 0] = [0 0]
−2 0
⇒ 𝑥−2=0 ⇒𝑥 =2

12
 𝑥
29. If (2𝑥 4) ( ) = 𝑂, find the positive value of x.
−8
[CBSE 2014C]
Solution
𝑥
Here, (2𝑥 4) ( )=𝑂
−8
⇒ 2𝑥. 𝑥 + 4. (−8) = 0
⇒ 2𝑥 2 − 32 = 0
⇒ 𝑥 2 = 16 = 42 ⇒ 𝑥 = 4
Which is the required positive value of x.

1 2 𝑥
30. If [2𝑥 3] [ ] [ ] = 𝑂, find x.
−3 0 3
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution

1 2 𝑥
Here, [2𝑥 3] [ ][ ] = 0
−3 0 3
⇒ [2𝑥 3] [𝑥 + 6] = 0
−3𝑥
⇒ 2𝑥(𝑥 + 6) + 3(−3𝑥) = 0 ⇒ 2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 9𝑥 = 0
−3
⇒ 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥(2𝑥 + 3) = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 0, .
2

Based on Simplification
31. If A is a square matrix such that 𝐴2 = 𝐴, then write the value of 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)3 , where I
is an identity matrix.
[CBSE 2014]
Solution
Here, 𝐴2 = 𝐴
Now, 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)3
= 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)(𝐼 + 𝐴)(𝐼 + 𝐴)
= 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)(𝐼. 𝐼 + 𝐼. 𝐴 + 𝐴. 𝐼 + 𝐴. 𝐴)
= 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)(𝐼 + 𝐴 + 𝐴 + 𝐴) (∵ 𝐼. 𝐴 = 𝐴. 𝐼 = 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴2 = 𝐴)

13
 = 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 𝐴)(𝐼 + 3𝐴)
= 7𝐴 − (𝐼. 𝐼 + 𝐼. (3𝐴) + 𝐴. 𝐼 + 𝐴. (3𝐴))
= 7𝐴 − (𝐼 + 3𝐴 + 𝐴 + 3𝐴) = 7𝐴 − 𝐼 − 7𝐴 = −𝐼.

32. If A is square matric such that A2 = A, then (I + A)3 – 7A is equal to

(a) A (b) I + A (c) I – A (d) I
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]
Solution
(d) : We have, (𝐼 + 𝐴)3 − 7𝐴
= 𝐼 3 + 𝐴3 + 3𝐼 2 𝐴 + 3𝐼𝐴2 − 7𝐴 = 𝐼 + 𝐴. 𝐴 + 3𝐴 + 3𝐴 − 7𝐴 (∵ 𝐴2 = 𝐴)
= 𝐼 + 𝐴 + 3𝐴 + 3𝐴 − 7𝐴 = 𝐼
1 −1 1
33. If A = [1 −1 1], then 𝐴5 − 𝐴4 − 𝐴3 + 𝐴2 is equal to
1 −1 1
(a) 2A (b) 3A (c) 4A (d) O
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution
Ans-d
34. If A is a square matrix such that A2 = A, then (𝐼 − 𝐴)3 + 𝐴 is equal to
(a) I (b) O (c) I – A (d) I + A
[CBSE 2020]
Solution
(a) : We have, 𝐴2 = 𝐴
Now, (𝐼 − 𝐴)3 + 𝐴 = (𝐼 − 𝐴)(𝐼 − 𝐴)(𝐼 − 𝐴) + 𝐴
= (𝐼. 𝐼 − 𝐼 . 𝐴 − 𝐴. 𝐼 + 𝐴. 𝐴)(𝐼 − 𝐴) + 𝐴
= (𝐼 − 𝐴 − 𝐴 + 𝐴)(𝐼 − 𝐴) + 𝐴 [∵ 𝑰. 𝑨 = 𝑨. 𝑰 = 𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝟐 = 𝑨]
= (𝐼 − 𝐴)(𝐼 − 𝐴) + 𝐴
= (𝐼. 𝐼 − 𝐼. 𝐴 − 𝐴. 𝐼 + 𝐴. 𝐴) + 𝐴
= (𝐼 − 𝐴 − 𝐴 + 𝐴) + 𝐴 = (𝐼 − 𝐴) + 𝐴 = 𝐼
OR
(𝐼 − 𝐴)3 + 𝐴

14
 = 𝐼 3 − 𝐴3 + 3𝐴2 𝐼 − 3𝐴 + 𝐴
= 𝐼 − 𝐴2 𝐴 + 3𝐴2 − 3𝐴 + 𝐴
= 𝐼 − 𝐴2 + 3𝐴 − 3𝐴 + 𝐴
= 𝐼 − 𝐴 + 3𝐴 − 3𝐴 + 𝐴
=I
A.I

35. If A is a square matrix such that 𝐴2 = 𝐼, then find the simplified value of (𝐴 − 𝐼)3 +
(𝐴 + 𝐼)3 − 7𝐴.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution
Given A2 = I
∴ The simplified value of, (𝐴 − 𝐼)3 + (𝐴 + 𝐼)3 − 7𝐴
= 𝐴3 − 𝐼 3 − 3𝐴2 𝐼 + 𝐴3 + 𝐼 3 + 3𝐴2 𝐼 + 3𝐴𝐼 2 − 7𝐴
= 2𝐴3 + 6𝐴𝐼 2 − 7𝐴 = 2𝐴𝐴2 + 6𝐴𝐼 − 7𝐴
= 2𝐴𝐼 + 6𝐴 − 7𝐴 = 2𝐴 + 6𝐴 − 7𝐴 = 𝐴

Word Problems
36. Three schools A, B and C organized a mela for collecting funds for helping the
rehabilitation of flood victims. They sold hand made fans, mats and plates from recycled
material at a cost of Rs. 25, Rs. 100 and Rs. 50 each. The number of articles sold are
given below.
Article/School A B C
Hand-fans 40 25 35
Mats 50 40 50
Plates 20 30 40
Find the funds collected by each school separately by selling the above articles. Also,
find the total funds collected for the purpose.
Write one value generated by the above situation.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

15
 The number of articles sold by each school can be written in the matrix form as
40 25 35
X = [50 40 50]
20 30 40
The cost of each article can be written in the matrix form as Y = [25 100 50]
The fund collected by each school is given by
40 25 35
YX = [25 100 50] [50 40 50] = [7000 6125 7875]
20 30 40
Therefore, the funds collected by schools A, B and C are Rs. 7000, Rs. 6125 and Rs.
7875 respectively.
Thus, the total funds collected
= Rs. (7000 + 6125 + 7875) = Rs. 21000
The situation highlights the helping nature of the students.
37. To promote the making of toilets for women, an organisation tried to generate awareness
through (i) house calls (ii) letters and (iii) announcements. The cost for each mode per
attempt is given below:
(i) Rs. 50 (ii) Rs. 20 (iii) Rs. 40
The number of attempts made in three villages X, Y and Z are given below:
(i) (ii) (iii)
X 400 300 100
Y 300 250 75
Z 500 400 150
Find the total cost incurred by the organisation for the three villages separately, using
matrices. Write one value generated by the organisation in the society.
[CBSE 2015]
Solution
Let Rs. A, Rs. B and Rs. C be the cost incurred by the organization for villages X, Y and
Z respectively. Then, we get the matrix equation as
400 300 100 50 𝐴
[300 250 75 ] [20] = [𝐵 ]
500 400 150 40 𝐶
𝐴 400 × 50 + 300 × 20 + 100 × 40
⇒ [𝐵 ] = [ 300 × 50 + 250 × 20 + 75 × 40 ]
𝐶 500 × 50 + 400 × 20 + 150 × 40

16
 20,000 + 6,000 + 4,000 30,000
= [15,000 + 5,000 + 3,000] = [23,000]
25,000 + 8,000 + 6,000 39,000
∴ 𝐴 = 𝑅𝑠. 30,000, 𝐵 = 𝑅𝑠. 23,000 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 = 𝑅𝑠. 39,000
These are the costs incurred by the orgainisation for villages X, Y and Z respectively.
The value generated by the organization in the society is cleanliness.

38. In a parliament election, a political party hired a public relations firm to promote its
candidates in three ways-telephone, house calls and letters. The cost per contact (in paise)
is given in matrix A as
140 Telephone
A = [200] House call
150 Letters
The number of contacts of each type made in two cities X and Y is given in matrix B as
Telephone House call Letters
1000 500 5000 City X
B= [ ]
3000 1000 10000 City Y
Find the total amount spent by the party in the two cities. What should one consider
before casting his/ her vote-party's promotional activity or their social activities?
[CBSE 2015]
Solution

The total amount spent by the party in two cities X and Y is represented in the matrix
equation by matrix C as,
C = BA
140
𝑋 1000 500
5000
⇒ [ ]=[ ] [200]
𝑌 3000 1000
10000
150
𝑋 1000 × 140 + 500 × 200 + 5000 × 150
⇒ [ ]=[ ]
𝑌 3000 × 140 + 1000 × 200 + 10000 × 150
990000
=[ ]
2120000
⇒ X = 990000 paise, Y = 2120000 paise
∴ X = Rs. 9900 and Y = Rs. 21200

17
 i.e., Amount spent by the part in city X and Y is Rs. 9900 and Rs. 21200 respectivley.
One should consider about the social activities of a political party before casting his/her
vote.

39. A trust fund, Rs. 35,000 is to be invested in two different types of bonds. The first bond
pays 8% interest per annum which will be given to orphanage and second bond pays 10%
interest per annum which will be given to an N.G.O. (Cancer Aid Society). Using matrix
multiplication, determine how to divide Rs. 35,000 among two types of bonds if the trust
fund obtains an annual total interest of Rs. 3,200. What are the values reflected in this
question?
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution

Trust fund = Rs. 35,000.

Let Rs. X be invested in the first bond and then Rs. (35,000 – x) will be invested in the
second bond.
Interest paid on the first bond = 8% = 0.08
Interest paid on the second bond = 10% = 0.10
Total annual interest = Rs. 3200.
0.08
∴ In matrices, [𝑥 35,000 −𝑥] [ ] = [3,200]
1.10
⇒ 𝑥 × 0.08 + (35,000 − 𝑥) × 0.10 = 3,200
8 10
⇒ 𝑥 × 100 + (35,000 − 𝑥) × 100 = 3,200

⇒ 8𝑥 + 3,500 − 10𝑥 = 3,20,000

⇒ 2𝑥 = 30,000 ⇒ 𝑥 = 15,000
∴ Rs. 15,000 should be invested in the first bond and Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 15,000 =
Rs. 20,000 should be invested in the second bond.
The values reflected in this question are:
(i) Spirit of investemnet.
(ii) Giving charity to cancer patients.
(iii) Helping the orphans living in the society.

18
 Transpose of a Matrix & Symmetric and Skew Symmetric Matrices

40. If P is a 3 × 3 matrix such that P = 2P + I, where P' is the transpose of P, then

(a) P = I (b) P = – 1 (c) P = 2I (d) P = – 2I
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution
(b): We have, P’ = 2P + I …(i)
Now, (P’)’ = (2P + I)’ = 2P’ + I
⇒ P = 2(2P + I) + I [Using (i)]
⇒ P = 4P + 3I ⇒ P = – I
cos 𝛼 − sin 𝛼
41. If A = [ ] and A + A’ = I, then the value of α is
sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼
𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋
(a) 6 (b) 3 (c) 𝜋 (d) 2

[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution
cos 𝛼 − sin 𝛼
(b) : We have, A = [ ]
sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼
and A + A’ = I
cos 𝛼 − sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 sin 𝛼 1 0
⇒ [ ]+[ ]=[ ]
sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 − sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼 0 1
2 cos 𝛼 0 1 0
⇒ [ ]=[ ]
0 2 cos 𝛼 0 1
1 𝜋
⇒ 2 cos 𝛼 = 1 ⇒ cos 𝛼 = 2 ⇒ 𝛼 = 3

42. If order of matric A is 2 × 3, of matrix B is 3 × 2, and of matric C is 3 × 3, then which

one of the following is not defined?
(a) C(A + B’) (b) C(A + B’)’ (c) BAC (d) CB + A’
[CBSE 2021-22]
Solution
(a): Consider C(A + B’) i.e., C3 × 3 (A2 × 3 + B’2 × 3)
= 𝐶3 ×3 (𝐴 + 𝐵 ′ )2 ×3
Here, number of columns in the matrix C is 3 and number of rows in the matrix (A + B’)
is 2. So, it is not defined.

19
43. If A is a matrix of order 3 × 2, then the order of the matrix A' is___________.
[CBSE 2020]
Solution

If A is a matrix of order 3 × 2, then the order of the matrix A’ is 2 × 3.

44. A square matrix A is said to be symmetric, if___________.

[CBSE 2020]
Solution

A square matrix A is said to be symmetric, if A’ = A.

0 2𝑏 −2
45. Matrix A = [ 3 1 3 ] is given to be symmetric, find values of a and b.
3𝑎 3 −1
[CBSE 2016]
Solution
0 2𝑏 −2
Given, A = [ 3 1 3]
3𝑎 3 −1
∵ A is symmetric.
∴ A’ = A
0 3 3𝑎 0 2𝑏 −2
⇒ [ 2𝑏 1 3 ] = [ 3 1 3]
−2 3 −1 3𝑎 3 −1
−2 3
On comparing the corresponding elements, we get 𝑎 = and 𝑏 = 2.
3
0 𝑎 −3
46. If the matric A = [2 0 −1] is skew symmetric, find the value of ′𝑎′ and ′𝑏′.
𝑏 1 0
[CBSE 2018]

20
 Solution

A square matrix A is said to be skew symmetric matrix if A = – A’ …(i)

0 𝑎 −3 0 2 𝑏
Now, A = [2 0 −1] ∴ 𝐴′ = [ 𝑎 0 1]
𝑏 1 0 −3 −1 0
From (i), A + A’ = 0
0 𝑎
−3 0 2 𝑏
⇒ [2 0
−1] + [ 𝑎 0 1] = 0
𝑏 01 −3 −1 0
0 2+𝑎 𝑏−3 0 0 0
⇒ [𝑎 + 2 0 0 ] = [0 0 0 ]
𝑏−3 0 0 0 0 0
⇒ 𝑎 = 2 = 0 &𝑏 − 3 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = −2 & 𝑏 = 3

47. Write a 2 × 2 matrix which is both symmetric and skew symmetric.

[CBSE 2014C]
Solution

0 0
[ ] is a 2 × 2 symmetric as well as skew symmetric matrix.
0 0

0 1 −2
48. For what value of x, is the matrix A = [−1 0 3 ], a skew-symmetric matrix?
𝑥 −3 0
[CBSE 2013]
Solution

0 1 −2
The matrix A = [−1 0 3 ] is skew-symmetric.
𝑥 −3 0
0 −1 𝑥 0 −1 2
′
∴ 𝐴 = −𝐴 ⇒ [ 1 0 −3] = [ 1 0 −3] ⇒ 𝑥 = 2
−2 3 0 −𝑥 3 0

21
49. If A and B are symmetric matrices, such that AB and BA are both defined, then prove
that AB – BA is a skew symmetric matrix.
[CBSE 2019]
Solution
Given, A and B are symmetric matrices
∴ A’ = A and B’ = B
Now, (AB – BA)’ – (BA)’
= (B’A’) – (A’B’)
= (BA – AB) [∵ A’ = A and B’=B]
= – (AB – BA)
Thus, (AB – BA)’ = – (AB – BA)
Hence, (AB – BA) is a skew symmetric matrix.

50. Show that all the diagonal elements of a skew symmetric matrix are zero.
[CBSE 2017]
Solution
Let A = [𝑎𝑖𝑗 ] be a skew symmetric matrix
Then, 𝑎𝑗𝑖 = −𝑎𝑖𝑗 ∀ 𝑖, 𝑗
⇒ 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = −𝑎𝑖𝑗 ∀ 𝑖 ⇒ 2𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎𝑖𝑗 = 0 ∀ 𝑗
⇒ 𝑎11 = 𝑎22 = 𝑎33 = ⋯ … . . = 𝑎𝑛𝑛 = 0

3 5
51. If A = [ ] is written as A = P + Q, where P is a symmetric matric and Q is a skew
7 9
symmetric matrix, then write the matrix P.
[CBSE 2016]
Solution

3 5 3 7
Given, A = [ ] ⇒ 𝐴′ = [ ]
7 9 5 9

22
 𝟏
∵ P is symmetric matrix. So, P = (𝑨 + 𝑨′ )
𝟐
13 5 3 7
∴ P = 2 ([ ]+[ ])
7 9 5 9
1 3+3 5+7 1 6 12 3 6
= 2[ ] = 2[ ]=[ ]
7+5 9+9 12 18 6 9
3 6
Hence, the matrix P = [ ]
6 9

2 4 −6
52. Express the matric A = [7 3 5 ] as the sum of a symmetric and a skew symmetric
1 −2 4
matrix.
[CBSE 2015C]
Solution
We know that a square matrix A can be written as
𝟏 𝟏
𝑨 = 𝟐 (𝑨 + 𝑨𝑻 ) + 𝟐 (𝑨 − 𝑨𝑻 )
1 1
Out of which 2 (𝐴 + 𝐴𝑇 ) is symmetric and 2 (𝐴 − 𝐴𝑇 ) is skew symmetric matrix.

∴ For the given matrix

2 4 −6 2 7 1
𝑇
A = [7 3 5 ] , 𝐴 = [ 4 3 −2]
1 −2 4 −6 5 4
4 11 −5
∴ 𝐴 + 𝐴𝑇 = [ 11 6 3 ] and
−5 3 8
0 −3 −7
𝐴 − 𝐴𝑇 = [3 0 7]
7 −7 0
1 1
Hence, A = 2 (𝐴 + 𝐴𝑇 ) + 2 (𝐴 − 𝐴𝑇 )
2 11/2 −5/2 0 −3/2 −7/2
= [ 11/2 3 3/2 ] + [3/2 0 7/2 ]
−5/2 3/2 4 7/2 −7/2 0
In which first is symmetric and the second is skew symmetric matrix.

23
53. Given that matrices A and B are of order 3 × n and m × 5 respectively, then the order of
matrix C = 5A + 3B is
(a) 3 × 5 and m = n (b) 3 × 5 (c) 3 × 3 (d) 5 × 5
[CBSE SQP 2021-22]
Solution
(b) : We know that the sum of two matrices is defined only if both matrices have same
order.
Here 5A + 3B is defined if A and B have same order.
⇒ 3 × 𝑛 = 𝑚 × 5 ⇒ 𝑛 = 5, 𝑚 = 3
So, order of matrix C is 3 × 5 and 𝑚 ≠ 𝑛.

Based on Inverse
1 −1 0 2 2 −4
54. If A = [2 3 4] and B = [−4 2 −4], then
0 1 2 2 −1 5
1
(a) 𝐴−1 = 𝐵 (b) 𝐴−1 = 6𝐵 (c) 𝐵 −1 = 𝐵 (d) 𝐵 −1 = 6 𝐴

[CBSE SQP 2021-22]

Solution

3 1
55. If A = [ ], show that 𝐴2 − 5𝐴 + 7𝐼 = 𝑂. Hence find 𝐴−1 .
−1 2
[CBSE SQP 2020-21]
Solution

24