Boost your skills in A Level Further Mathematics Core Pure. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is followed by hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

For any invertible matrix A with det(A) ≠ 0, which statement is true about det(A^{-1})?

The important fact is how determinants behave with inverses. Since A is invertible, multiplying A by its inverse gives the identity: A A^{-1} = I. Taking determinants of both sides and using det(AB) = det(A) det(B) gives det(A) det(A^{-1}) = det(I) = 1. Because det(A) ≠ 0, you can solve for det(A^{-1}) by dividing: det(A^{-1}) = 1 / det(A). So the determinant of the inverse is the reciprocal of the determinant of A. For example, if det(A) = 6, then det(A^{-1}) = 1/6. The other possibilities don’t fit this fundamental relation.

The important fact is how determinants behave with inverses. Since A is invertible, multiplying A by its inverse gives the identity: A A^{-1} = I. Taking determinants of both sides and using det(AB) = det(A) det(B) gives det(A) det(A^{-1}) = det(I) = 1. Because det(A) ≠ 0, you can solve for det(A^{-1}) by dividing: det(A^{-1}) = 1 / det(A). So the determinant of the inverse is the reciprocal of the determinant of A. For example, if det(A) = 6, then det(A^{-1}) = 1/6. The other possibilities don’t fit this fundamental relation.