Animated Solution for Mathematics - Matrices and Determinants: Let A=[x+1][x][x][x+2][x+3][x+2][x+3][x+3][x+4], where [t] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to t. If det(A)=192, then the set of values of x is the interval:
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Visualized Solution
Analyze the Matrix A
Given matrix A=[x+1][x][x][x+2][x+3][x+2][x+3][x+3][x+4]
The goal is to find the interval of x such that det(A)=192.
The Property of [x+n]
Recall the property: [x+n]=[x]+n, where n∈Z.
This allows us to write each term in the form [x]+constant.
Substitution [x]=k
Let [x]=k.
The matrix A transforms to: A=k+1kkk+2k+3k+2k+3k+3k+4
Row Operation R1→R1−R2
Apply row operation: R1→R1−R2
New R1: [(k+1)−k,(k+2)−(k+3),(k+3)−(k+3)]=[1,−1,0]
Row Operation R3→R3−R2
Apply row operation: R3→R3−R2
New R3: [k−k,(k+2)−(k+3),(k+4)−(k+3)]=[0,−1,1]
Simplified Determinant Form
The simplified determinant is: det(A)=1k0−1k+3−10k+31
By definition of Greatest Integer Function: 62≤x<63
The set of values of x is the interval [62,63).
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The Sigma Insight: Properties of Determinants
Solution Diagram
Analyzing the Setup
The greatest integer function, denoted by [t], is often used to intimidate students, but it obeys a beautiful, simple rule: [x+n]=[x]+n for any integer n. This is our golden key.
By applying this property, we strip away the complexity, turning [x+1] into [x]+1, [x+2] into [x]+2, and so on.
The Algebraic Transformation
To simplify the expression, let us define a new variable, k=[x].
Suddenly, the matrix A transforms from a collection of brackets into a clean, manageable algebraic structure:
A=k+1kkk+2k+3k+2k+3k+3k+4
The fog has lifted. We are no longer dealing with functions; we are dealing with a standard matrix of linear terms.
The Art of Row Operations
Many students would rush to expand the determinant now, but that is where the trap lies. We want to be surgical by creating zeros.
Perform the row operation R1→R1−R2. Subtracting the second row from the first, we get:
R1→(k+1−k,k+2−(k+3),k+3−(k+3))=(1,−1,0)
Now, perform the operation R3→R3−R2. We get:
R3→(k−k,k+2−(k+3),k+4−(k+3))=(0,−1,1)
We have transformed the dense matrix into a sparse, elegant one: