Question

For what values of a is the matrix [a -6; 7 -1] singular? a = _____.

Answer 1

The matrix [a -6; 7 -1] is singular when a = 42.

Step-by-step explanation:

A matrix is singular if its determinant is equal to zero. In this case, we have the matrix [a -6; 7 -1]. To find the determinant, we can use the formula ad - bc, where a, b, c, and d are the elements of the matrix.

So, the determinant is: (a)(-1) - (-6)(7) = -a + 42.

Setting the determinant equal to zero, we have: -a + 42 = 0. Solving for a, we get a = 42.