Solve the following determinant equations:
Let
We need to find the roots of Δ = 0.
Recall that the value of a determinant remains same if we apply the operation Ri→ Ri + kRj or Ci→ Ci + kCj.
Applying C1→ C1 + C2, we get
Applying C1→ C1 + C3, we get
Taking the term (x + a + b + c) common from C1, we get
Applying R2→ R2 – R1, we get
Applying R3→ R3 – R1, we get
Expanding the determinant along C1, we have
Δ = (x + a + b + c)(1)[(x)(x) – (0)(0)]
⇒ Δ = (x + a + b + c)(x)(x)
∴ Δ = x2(x + a + b + c)
The given equation is Δ = 0.
⇒ x2(x + a + b + c) = 0
Case – I:
x2 = 0 ⇒ x = 0
Case – II:
x + a + b + c = 0 ⇒ x = –(a + b + c)
Thus, 0 and –(a + b + c) are the roots of the given determinant equation.