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Matrices, determinants and linear systems

Read the idea, work independently, then explain what changed.

2027 JM02 考試大綱 · 3. Systems, matrices and determinants · PDF 2 / printed page 2

TOPIC 01

Matrices, determinants and linear systems

Add and multiply matrices, use determinants and solve systems without assuming invertibility.

What you will be able to explain

  • Add and multiply matrices, use determinants and solve systems without assuming invertibility.
  • Justify the method and check the conditions in a new situation.

Model or definition

Add and multiply matrices, use determinants and solve systems without assuming invertibility.

det⁡(abcd)=ad−bc\det\begin{pmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{pmatrix}=ad-bc

Conditions

Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.

PREDICT → EXPLORE → EXPLAIN → TRANSFER

Make a prediction, then explore the relationship.

Lesson question: Can AB and BA have different entries even when both products exist?

Model exploration: predict which displayed result changes with the parameters, check the values, and compare the observation with the lesson question.

A=[1,a;0,1], B=[1,0;b,1]. AB=[3,1;2,1], BA=[1,1;2,3]. The plotted columns belong to M=[1,a;b,1], with determinant -1 and area |det M|.

A=[1,a;0,1], B=[1,0;b,1]. AB=[3,1;2,1], BA=[1,1;2,3]. The plotted columns belong to M=[1,a;b,1], with determinant -1 and area |det M|.

Explain: Compare two admissible cases and explain their different results using the stated model.

Transfer: Compare a shear and a coordinate projection in both orders.

Try it. Leave your reasoning visible.

Use one hint at a time. A correction explains what changed, not just the final answer.

01 / Foundation#Worked example

Find det A.

A=(2123)A=\begin{pmatrix}2&1\\2&3\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Use this intermediate relation.
detA=ad−bcdet A=ad-bc
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    detA=3(2)−2=4det A=3(2)-2=4
  3. Multiply diagonals with the correct subtraction order.

The requested value is 4.

Checks and common pitfalls: Multiply diagonals with the correct subtraction order.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

02 / Standard#Worked example

Find the determinant of the triangular 3×3 matrix.

A=(312023004)A=\begin{pmatrix}3&1&2\\0&2&3\\0&0&4\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
A triangular determinant is the diagonal product.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    detA=3⋅2⋅4=24det A=3\cdot2\cdot4=24
  3. Off-diagonal entries do not change a triangular determinant.

The requested value is 24.

Checks and common pitfalls: Off-diagonal entries do not change a triangular determinant.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

03 / Transfer#Worked example

Show AB≠BA for the specified matrices.

A=(1401), B=(1000)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&4\\0&1\end{pmatrix},\ B=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Compute both products separately.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (AB)12=0,(BA)12=4≠0(AB)_{12}=0,\quad(BA)_{12}=4\ne0
  3. One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

AB=(1000), BA=(1400)AB=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix},\ BA=\begin{pmatrix}1&4\\0&0\end{pmatrix}

Checks and common pitfalls: One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

04 / Foundation#Your turn

Find det A.

A=(5123)A=\begin{pmatrix}5&1\\2&3\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Use this intermediate relation.
detA=ad−bcdet A=ad-bc
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    detA=3(5)−2=13det A=3(5)-2=13
  3. Multiply diagonals with the correct subtraction order.

The requested value is 13.

Checks and common pitfalls: Multiply diagonals with the correct subtraction order.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

05 / Foundation#Your turn

Find the (1,2) entry of AB.

A=(1601), B=(2314)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&6\\0&1\end{pmatrix},\ B=\begin{pmatrix}2&3\\1&4\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Use this intermediate relation.
(AB)12=A11B12+A12B22(AB)_{12}=A_{11}B_{12}+A_{12}B_{22}
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (AB)12=3+4(6)=27(AB)_{12}=3+4(6)=27
  3. Use a row of A and a column of B, not matching positions.

The requested value is 27.

Checks and common pitfalls: Use a row of A and a column of B, not matching positions.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

06 / Foundation#Your turn

Find x in the system.

x+y=9,x−y=7x+y=9,\quad x-y=7
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Add equations to eliminate y.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    2x=16⇒x=82x=16\Rightarrow x=8
  3. The coefficient determinant is nonzero, so the solution is unique.

The requested value is 8.

Checks and common pitfalls: The coefficient determinant is nonzero, so the solution is unique.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

07 / Foundation#Your turn

Find A⁻¹.

A=(1801)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&8\\0&1\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Use the triangular inverse and verify AA^{-1}=I.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (1801)(1−801)=I\begin{pmatrix}1&8\\0&1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1&-8\\0&1\end{pmatrix}=I
  3. An explicit product verifies the inverse without relying on a memorized sign pattern.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

A−1=(1−801)A^{-1}=\begin{pmatrix}1&-8\\0&1\end{pmatrix}

Checks and common pitfalls: An explicit product verifies the inverse without relying on a memorized sign pattern.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

08 / Standard#Your turn

Find A⁻¹.

A=(1901)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&9\\0&1\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Use the triangular inverse and verify AA^{-1}=I.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (1901)(1−901)=I\begin{pmatrix}1&9\\0&1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1&-9\\0&1\end{pmatrix}=I
  3. An explicit product verifies the inverse without relying on a memorized sign pattern.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

A−1=(1−901)A^{-1}=\begin{pmatrix}1&-9\\0&1\end{pmatrix}

Checks and common pitfalls: An explicit product verifies the inverse without relying on a memorized sign pattern.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

09 / Standard#Your turn

Find the determinant of the triangular 3×3 matrix.

A=(1012023004)A=\begin{pmatrix}10&1&2\\0&2&3\\0&0&4\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
A triangular determinant is the diagonal product.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    detA=10⋅2⋅4=80det A=10\cdot2\cdot4=80
  3. Off-diagonal entries do not change a triangular determinant.

The requested value is 80.

Checks and common pitfalls: Off-diagonal entries do not change a triangular determinant.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

10 / Standard#Your turn

Classify the solutions of the system.

x+y=11,2x+2y=22x+y=11,\quad2x+2y=22
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
The second equation is twice the first.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    y=11−xy=11-x
  3. A zero determinant does not by itself mean no solution; this consistent system has infinitely many.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

(x,y)=(s,11−s), s∈R(x,y)=(s,11-s),\ s\in\mathbb R

Checks and common pitfalls: A zero determinant does not by itself mean no solution; this consistent system has infinitely many.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

11 / Standard#Your turn

Show AB≠BA for the specified matrices.

A=(11201), B=(1000)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&12\\0&1\end{pmatrix},\ B=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Compute both products separately.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (AB)12=0,(BA)12=12≠0(AB)_{12}=0,\quad(BA)_{12}=12\ne0
  3. One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

AB=(1000), BA=(11200)AB=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix},\ BA=\begin{pmatrix}1&12\\0&0\end{pmatrix}

Checks and common pitfalls: One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

12 / Transfer#Your turn

Classify the solutions of the system.

x+y=13,2x+2y=26x+y=13,\quad2x+2y=26
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
The second equation is twice the first.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    y=13−xy=13-x
  3. A zero determinant does not by itself mean no solution; this consistent system has infinitely many.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

(x,y)=(s,13−s), s∈R(x,y)=(s,13-s),\ s\in\mathbb R

Checks and common pitfalls: A zero determinant does not by itself mean no solution; this consistent system has infinitely many.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

13 / Transfer#Your turn

Show AB≠BA for the specified matrices.

A=(11401), B=(1000)A=\begin{pmatrix}1&14\\0&1\end{pmatrix},\ B=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix}
  • Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.
Hint 2
Compute both products separately.
Worked solution
  1. Write the defining equation, retain exclusions, and then solve or compare.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    (AB)12=0,(BA)12=14≠0(AB)_{12}=0,\quad(BA)_{12}=14\ne0
  3. One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

The requested relation or conclusion is shown below.

AB=(1000), BA=(11400)AB=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix},\ BA=\begin{pmatrix}1&14\\0&0\end{pmatrix}

Checks and common pitfalls: One unequal entry is sufficient to disprove commutativity.

Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
  • State a valid definition or model and its assumptions.
  • Show the intermediate mathematical relations, not only the final claim.
  • Check exclusions, units or the interpretation of the result.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

Focus on one question

End-of-lesson check and correction

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    Teacher preparation and assessment

    Question sequence

    • Add and multiply matrices, use determinants and solve systems without assuming invertibility.
    • Which condition is essential in matrices, determinants and linear systems?
    • Can AB and BA have different entries even when both products exist?

    Board plan

    • Model or definition: Add and multiply matrices, use determinants and solve systems without assuming invertibility.
      det⁡(abcd)=ad−bc\det\begin{pmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{pmatrix}=ad-bc
    • Conditions: Matrix products require matched inner dimensions; a square matrix has an inverse only if its determinant is nonzero.

    Anticipated thinking

    • Matrix multiplication is not generally commutative.

    Assessment checklist

    • 1 mark: choose the correct representation and conditions.
    • 1 mark: establish the intermediate relation.
    • 1 mark: complete a connected calculation or proof.
    • 1 mark: interpret and check the conclusion.

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    Curriculum and source notes ↗