Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices
Determinants and Cramer's Rule
Problem 35a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 31–36, use the alternative method for evaluating third-order determinants on here to evaluate each determinant.
0.5 7 5
0.5 3 9
0.5 1 3

1
Identify the matrix as a 3x3 matrix: \( \begin{bmatrix} 0.5 & 7 & 5 \\ 0.5 & 3 & 9 \\ 0.5 & 1 & 3 \end{bmatrix} \).
Use the alternative method for evaluating third-order determinants, which involves expanding along a row or column.
Choose the first column for expansion: \( 0.5 \times \begin{vmatrix} 3 & 9 \\ 1 & 3 \end{vmatrix} - 0.5 \times \begin{vmatrix} 7 & 5 \\ 1 & 3 \end{vmatrix} + 0.5 \times \begin{vmatrix} 7 & 5 \\ 3 & 9 \end{vmatrix} \).
Calculate each 2x2 determinant: \( \begin{vmatrix} 3 & 9 \\ 1 & 3 \end{vmatrix} = 3 \times 3 - 9 \times 1 \), \( \begin{vmatrix} 7 & 5 \\ 1 & 3 \end{vmatrix} = 7 \times 3 - 5 \times 1 \), \( \begin{vmatrix} 7 & 5 \\ 3 & 9 \end{vmatrix} = 7 \times 9 - 5 \times 3 \).
Substitute the values of the 2x2 determinants back into the expression and simplify to find the determinant of the 3x3 matrix.

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