Analyzing the Setup
Welcome, future engineer! Today we are going to dismantle a problem that looks like a monster but is actually a masterpiece of algebraic elegance.
We are given a matrix A and a polynomial expression M=A7−(β−1)A6−βA5. The sight of A7 might make your heart race, but take a deep breath.
In the world of JEE Advanced, high powers are rarely a call to calculate; they are a call to factor.
Factoring the Expression
Notice how A5 is common to every term? By pulling it out, we transform the expression into:
Now, look at that quadratic inside the parenthesis. It is begging to be factored! By expanding the middle term, we get A2−βA+A−βI.
Grouping these terms gives us (A+I)(A−βI). Suddenly, our terrifying M is just a product of three matrices: A5, (A+I), and (A−βI).
Applying Determinant Properties
The problem tells us M is singular, which means its determinant is zero. Using the property ∣XYZ∣=∣X∣∣Y∣∣Z∣, we know that:
We calculate ∣A∣ and find it is −1. We calculate ∣A+I∣ and find it is −4.
Since neither is zero, the only way for the product to be zero is if ∣A−βI∣=0.
Final Calculation
Constructing A−βI and calculating its determinant leads us to the equation:
Solving this gives β=31. Finally, the question asks for 9β, which is:
The final answer is 3. You did it! You didn't just solve a problem; you mastered a technique.