Normalizing a vector involves transforming it to have unit length while maintaining its direction. The determinant (det) of a matrix indicates its scaling factor and is calculated using a specific formula, playing a crucial role in matrix operations like finding inverses. The adjugate (adj) of a matrix, derived from the transpose of the cofactor matrix, is also essential for calculating inverses. Linear algebra focuses on linear equations, matrices, and vector spaces, enabling the solution of systems of equations through techniques like Gaussian elimination. A strong grasp of normalizing, determinants, and adjugates is vital for effective problem-solving in linear algebra.