JEE mathematics

If ω is an imaginary cube root of unity, find the value of det pmatrix 1 & ω & ω² ω & ω² & 1 ω² & 1 & ω pmatrix — JEE Mathematics

VCVarun Choudhary · 11 Asked 2mo ago 1,234 views 1 answer

If $\omega$ is an imaginary cube root of unity, find the value of $\det \begin{pmatrix} 1 & \omega & \omega^2 \\ \omega & \omega^2 & 1 \\ \omega^2 & 1 & \omega \end{pmatrix}$.

1 Answer

VAVidaara Admin ✓ Vidaara Team ✓ Accepted · 2mo ago ▲ 26

Let $D = \det \begin{pmatrix} 1 & \omega & \omega^2 \\ \omega & \omega^2 & 1 \\ \omega^2 & 1 & \omega \end{pmatrix}$.
Apply the column operation $C_1 \to C_1 + C_2 + C_3$:

$$D = \det \begin{pmatrix} 1 + \omega + \omega^2 & \omega & \omega^2 \\ 1 + \omega + \omega^2 & \omega^2 & 1 \\ 1 + \omega + \omega^2 & 1 & \omega \end{pmatrix}$$

We know that $1 + \omega + \omega^2 = 0$. Substituting this into the first column:

$$D = \det \begin{pmatrix} 0 & \omega & \omega^2 \\ 0 & \omega^2 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 & \omega \end{pmatrix}$$

Since an entire column of the matrix consists of zeros, the value of the determinant is $0$.

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Discussion (4)

L
Brilliant explanation, the substitution step is what I kept missing.
LiamAnderson39 · 2mo ago
KK
Why do we take the positive value only in the last step?
Kavya Krishnan · 2mo ago
NA
Saved me before my mock test. Much clearer than my coaching notes.
Nisha Agarwal · 2mo ago
A
Thanks a ton, I was stuck on this exact problem for an hour.
AayushaRai25 · 2mo ago
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