Sigma Percentile
JEE Main 2017
LEVELJEE Main

Animated Solution for Mathematics - Complex Numbers: Let be a complex number such that where . If , then k is equal to:

Select Answer:

Visualized Solution

Identifying and

  • Given:
  • Relation:
  • Substitute :

Solving for

  • Conclusion: is the complex cube root of unity.

Properties of Cube Roots of Unity

  • Property 1:
  • Property 2:
  • These roots lie on the unit circle in the Argand plane.

Simplifying Matrix Elements (Part 1)

  • Look at the element:
  • Using
  • We can write:

Simplifying Matrix Elements (Part 2)

  • Look at the element:
  • Using

The Simplified Determinant

  • Substituting the simplified elements back:

Applying Row Operations

  • To create zeros, apply:
  • And apply:

Expanding the Determinant

  • Expanding along the first column ():

Expanding the Algebraic Squares

  • Expand
  • Expand
  • Substitute back:

Simplifying the Expression

  • Recall

Equating to Find

  • The problem states
  • So,
  • Dividing by 3:

Substituting Values of and

Final Calculation for

  • Since , we get
  • The correct option is A.

The Sigma Insight: Cube Roots and nth Roots of Unity

Solution Diagram

Analyzing the Setup

Welcome, future engineers! Today, we are going to peel back the layers of a problem that looks like a daunting matrix calculation but is actually a beautiful dance with the complex cube roots of unity.
Imagine you are standing at the threshold of a complex plane, looking at the equation . Many students see this and immediately reach for their calculators or start panicking about imaginary numbers.
But you? You are going to pause. You are going to recognize the signature of the complex cube root of unity. When we isolate , we get:
This is not just a number; it is the key to the entire problem. It satisfies the magical properties and .

Simplifying the Matrix Elements

Now, look at the determinant. It looks intimidating, doesn't it? But remember the golden rule of JEE Advanced: never expand a determinant until you have simplified it to the bone.
We look at the term . Using our identity , we immediately see that:
Then we look at . Since , we know:
The matrix is collapsing into a simple, elegant form.

Executing the Determinant Calculation

Now, we perform row operations. We subtract the first row from the second and third rows. This creates zeros, which are the best friends of any determinant.
Expanding along the first column becomes trivial. We are left with a simple quadratic expression in .
Finally, we equate this to . The algebra simplifies beautifully, the terms cancel out, and we arrive at the final result:

Final Thoughts

It is a moment of pure mathematical harmony. You have navigated the complexity, simplified the chaos, and emerged with the truth.
Keep this mindset: look for the structure, simplify before you calculate, and trust the elegance of the math.

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