Question

Calculate the determinant of this 2x2 matrix. Provide the numerical answer. 2 -14 - 5

Answer 1

Determinant of a matrix

In order to find the determinant we just multiply the diagonals

Then we substract the second result to the first:

`\begin{gathered} \begin{bmatrix}{2} & {-1} & {} \\ {4} & {-5} & {} \\ & {} & {}\end{bmatrix}=2\cdot(-5)-4\cdot(-1) \\ =-10-\mleft(-4\mright)=-10+4 \\ =-6 \end{gathered}`

Answer: the determinant of this 2x2 matrix is -6