Solving for x in a determinant

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the variable x in a determinant represented by a 3x3 matrix. Participants emphasize the importance of evaluating the determinant to obtain a polynomial in x, which can then be factored to find multiple solutions, including x = 2 and x = 1. A critical point raised is the need to avoid dividing by terms that could equal zero, as this can lead to the loss of potential solutions. The correct approach involves factoring out terms rather than simplifying them away.

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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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