Solving for x in a determinant

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The discussion focuses on solving for x in a determinant equation, where the initial attempts yield only one solution, x = -3. Participants emphasize the need to evaluate the determinant correctly to obtain a polynomial in x that can be factored. There is a suggestion to avoid dividing by terms like x - 2, as this can eliminate potential solutions such as x = 2. Clarifications on the determinant's structure and the importance of maintaining all possible solutions are highlighted. The conversation underscores the necessity of clear step-by-step explanations for effective problem-solving.
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Solve for x
x -6 -1
2 -3x x-3 = 0
-3 2x x+2Attempt-
x-2 3(x-2) -(x-2)
2 -3x x-3
-3 2x x+2

1 3 -1
2 -3x x-3
-3 2x x+2

1 3 -1
0 -3x-6 x-1 = 0
0 -x+3 2(x-1)
x =-3

By doing this I'm getting just one value of x. How do i get the values of x like 2 and 1?
 
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Its very hard to read your determinant or even that it is a determinant.

Code:
[ (x)   (-6)   (-1)  ]
[ (2)   (-3x)  (x-3) ]
[ (-3)  (2x)   (x+2) ]

Is this right?

You need to evaluate the determinant to get a polynomial in x and then factor it.
 
Last edited:
jedishrfu said:
Its very hard to read your determinate or even that it is a determinate.

Code:
[ (x)   (-6)   (-1)  ]
[ (2)   (-3x)  (x-3) ]
[ (-3)  (2)   (x+2)  ]

Is this right?

You need to evaluate the determinate to get a polynomial in x and then factor it.

Its 2x in (column 2,row 3).
 
Last edited:
Kartik. said:
Its 2x in (column 2,row 3).

Noted and fixed in my prior post.

Did my answer help?
 
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Kartik. said:
Solve for x
x -6 -1
2 -3x x-3 = 0
-3 2x x+2


Attempt-
x-2 3(x-2) -(x-2)
2 -3x x-3
-3 2x x+2

1 3 -1
2 -3x x-3
-3 2x x+2

1 3 -1
0 -3x-6 x-1 = 0
0 -x+3 2(x-1)
x =-3

By doing this I'm getting just one value of x. How do i get the values of x like 2 and 1?
Why don't you just expand the determinant directly?

It would be helpful to us if you told us what you are doing in each step above. Apparently in the 2nd step of your attempt, you have divided the first row by x - 2. In doing this, you are ignoring the possibility that x - 2 = 0, thereby losing x = 2 as a solution. Instead of dividing by x - 2, bring x - 2 out as a factor.

The basic idea is this:
$$ \begin{vmatrix} ka & kb \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = k\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d\end{vmatrix}$$
 
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