These worksheets explain how calculate the determinant of a 2x2 matrix using simple cross multiplication and subtraction. Sample problems are solved and practice problems are provided.

The determinant of a matrix describes many useful things that we can apply to systems of linear equations, various different uses in calculus; they also help us find the inverse of the matrix. The symbol used for the determinant is the same as the absolute vale symbol. To find the determinant in a 2 x 2 matrix we just need to find the sum of the upper left and lower right values. Then we find the sum of the other values of the matrix and find the difference between the two.

Your students will use the following activity sheets to learn how to calculate the determinant of a 2x2 matrix using simple cross multiplication and subtraction. Note that some answers are negative.



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Determinants in a 2 x 2 Matrix Worksheets

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Finding the Determinants in a 2 x 2 Matrix Lesson

This worksheet explains the series of steps you need to complete to find the determinants in this situation. A sample problem is solved, and two practice problems are provided.

Worksheet

Students will calculate the determinant of a 2x2 matrix using simple cross multiplication and subtraction. Ten problems are provided.

Practice

Students will practice calculating the determinant by using a series of math based maneuvers that involve cross multiplication and subtraction. Ten problems are provided.

Review

The concept of how to calculate the determinant by understanding that the determinant of the matrix will be given by a11 a22 -a12 a21

Quiz

Students will demonstrate their proficiency in calculating the determinant by using a few different techniques. Ten problems are provided.

Skills Check

Use this worksheet to show the best way to go about solving these types of problems. Three problems are provided, and space is included for students to copy the correct answer when given.

How Do You Find Determinants in a 2 x 2 Matrix?

The determinant is a scaler value of any squared matrix, which tells us the properties of the linear transformation. However, to find the determinant value of any 2x2 matrix, you can simply multiply the first and third element of matrix and subtract it with the product pf the second and fourth element in it. Let us take a look at the example below. 1 2
3 4
1 × 4 -3 × 2 = -2
Let us take another example
30 60
90 120
30 × 120 -90 × 30 = 900