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 59a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 57–60, solve each equation for x.
|1 x - 2|
|3 1 1| = - 8
|0 - 2 2|![Matrix equation for exercise 59 in college algebra, solving for x.](https://lightcat-files.s3.amazonaws.com/problem_images/ecca6901fbf004db-1678237759057.jpg)
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Calculate the determinant of the 3x3 matrix: \( \begin{vmatrix} 1 & x & -2 \\ 3 & 1 & 1 \\ 0 & -2 & 2 \end{vmatrix} \).
Use the formula for the determinant of a 3x3 matrix: \( a(ei-fh) - b(di-fg) + c(dh-eg) \).
Substitute the values from the matrix into the formula: \( 1(1 \cdot 2 - 1 \cdot (-2)) - x(3 \cdot 2 - 1 \cdot 0) + (-2)(3 \cdot (-2) - 1 \cdot 0) \).
Simplify each term in the expression.
Set the simplified expression equal to -8 and solve for \( x \).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Determinants of 2×2 Matrices with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick Ford
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice