Solving for x in a determinant

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the variable x in a determinant involving a 3x3 matrix. Participants are attempting to evaluate the determinant to find the values of x that satisfy the equation set to zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the evaluation of the determinant and the resulting polynomial in x. There are questions regarding the clarity of the determinant's representation and the steps taken to simplify it. Some participants suggest that the original poster may have overlooked potential solutions by dividing by terms that could equal zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the clarity of the determinant and suggesting alternative approaches to evaluating it. There is no explicit consensus on the method to be used, and multiple interpretations of the determinant's setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's representation of the determinant is difficult to read, which may impact the understanding of the problem. There is also mention of specific values of x that are expected as solutions, indicating constraints on the problem setup.

Kartik.
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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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