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NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants

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Master Class 12 Determinants Exercise 4.2 Solutions for Better Exam Results

Exercise 4.2 Class 12 Maths Solutions Chapter 4, equips you to conquer determinant problems related to area. Determinants, often encountered in linear algebra, can be surprisingly useful in geometry, particularly when calculating the area of a triangle.  While traditional formulas based on base and height or Heron's formula work well, determinants offer an alternative and sometimes more efficient approach.

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In class 12 maths ex 4.2 solutions, we will focus on the questions based on areas of triangles, and sharpen your problem-solving skills with step-by-step guidance. Access the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths here.


Glance on NCERT Solutions Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.2 Class 12 | Vedantu

  • Exercise 4.2 of Chapter 4 in Class 12 Maths focuses on the practical application of determinants to calculate the area of triangles. 

  • Determinants are mathematical tools used to solve systems of linear equations and manipulate matrices. In ex 4.2 class 12 students will likely explore how a determinant can be used to represent the area of a triangle based on its vertices' coordinates.

  • Imagine a triangle with vertices A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2), and C(x3, y3). These coordinates represent the x and y positions of each vertex on a graph.

  • There are 5 questions in Exercise 4.2  Maths Class 12 Chapter 4 which experts at Vedantu fully solve.


Formulas Used in Class 12 Chapter 4 Exercise 4.2

  • Area = ½ | (x1 * y2 + x2 * y3 + x3 * y1) - (x2 * y1 + x3 * y2 + x1 * y3) |

Competitive Exams after 12th Science
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Master Class 12 Determinants Exercise 4.2 Solutions for Better Exam Results

Exercise 4.2

1. Find the area of the triangle with vertices at the point given in each of the following:

i. \[\left( \text{1,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{6,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{4,3} \right)\]

Ans: Given vertices,\[\left( \text{1,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{6,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{4,3} \right)\]

Thus, the area of the triangle is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}   \text{1} & \text{0} & \text{1}  \\   \text{6} & \text{0} & \text{1}  \\   \text{4} & \text{3} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta =\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{1}\left( \text{0-3} \right)\text{-0}\left( \text{6-4} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{18-0} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{-3+18} \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{15}}{\text{2}}\] square units

$\therefore $Area of the triangle with vertices \[\left( \text{1,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{6,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{4,3} \right)\] is \[\dfrac{\text{15}}{\text{2}}\] square units.


ii. \[\left( \text{2,7} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{1,1} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{10,8} \right)\]

Ans: Given vertices,\[\left( \text{2,7} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{1,1} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{10,8} \right)\]

The area of the triangle is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix} \text{2} & \text{7} & \text{1}  \\  \text{1} & \text{1} & \text{1}  \\   \text{10} & \text{8} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{2}\left( \text{1-8} \right)\text{-7}\left( \text{1-10} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{8-10} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{2}\left( \text{-7} \right)\text{-7}\left( \text{-9} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{-2} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{-16+63} \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{47}}{\text{2}}\] square units

$\therefore $Area of the triangle with vertices \[\left( \text{2,7} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{1,1} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{10,8} \right)\] is \[\dfrac{47}{\text{2}}\] square units.


iii. \[\text{(-2,-3),}\left( \text{3,2} \right)\text{,(-1,-8)}\]

Ans: Given vertices,\[\text{(-2,-3),}\left( \text{3,2} \right)\text{,(-1,-8)}\]

The area of the triangle with vertices \[\text{(-2,-3),}\left( \text{3,2} \right)\text{,(-1,-8)}\] is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix} \text{-2} & \text{-3} & \text{1}  \\  \text{3} & \text{2} & \text{1}  \\  \text{-1} & \text{-8} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{-2}\left( \text{2+8} \right)\text{+3}\left( \text{3+1} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{-24+2} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{-20+12-22} \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ }=-\dfrac{\text{30}}{\text{2}}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =-15}\]

$\therefore $The area of the triangle with vertices \[\left( \text{2,7} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{1,1} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{10,8} \right)\]is \[\left| \text{-15} \right|\text{=15}\] square units.


2. Show that points \[\text{A}\left( \text{a,b+c} \right)\text{,B}\left( \text{b,c +a} \right)\text{,C}\left( \text{c,a +b} \right)\] are collinear.

Ans: To show that the points \[\text{A}\left( \text{a,b+c} \right)\text{,B}\left( \text{b,c +a} \right)\text{, C}\left( \text{c, a +b} \right)\] are collinear, the area of the triangle formed by these points as vertices should be zero.

$\therefore $ Area of \[\text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ ABC}\] is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}   \text{a} & \text{b+c} & \text{1}  \\   \text{b} & \text{c+a} & \text{1}  \\   \text{c} & \text{a+b} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

Applying the row operations, \[R_2\to R_2-R_1\] and \[R_3\to R_3-R_1\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}  \text{a} & \text{b+c} & \text{1}  \\ \text{b-a} & \text{a-b} & \text{0}  \\ \text{c-a} & \text{a-c} & \text{0}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

Taking out $\left( a-b \right)$ and $\left( c-a \right)$ common from \[R_2\] and \[R_3\] respectively,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left( \text{a-b} \right)\left( \text{c-a} \right)\left| \begin{matrix} \text{a} & \text{b+c} & \text{1}  \\ \text{-1} & \text{1} & \text{0}  \\ \text{1} & \text{-1} & \text{0}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

Applying the row operation \[R_3\to R_3\text{+}R_2\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left( \text{a-b} \right)\left( \text{c-a} \right)\left| \begin{matrix} \text{a} & \text{b+c} & \text{1}  \\   \text{-1} & \text{1} & \text{0}  \\  \text{0} & \text{0} & \text{0}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

We know that when all the elements of a row or a column in a determinant are zero then the value of the determinant is always zero.

\[\therefore \Delta \text{=0}\]                                           

Thus, the area of the triangle formed by points \[\text{A}\] , \[\text{B}\] and \[\text{C}\] is zero.

Hence, the points \[\text{A}\left( \text{a,b+c} \right)\text{,B}\left( \text{b,c +a} \right)\text{,C}\left( \text{c,a +b} \right)\] are collinear.


3. Find values of \[\text{k}\] if area of triangle is \[\text{4}\] square units and vertices are:

i. \[\left( \text{k,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{4,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{0,2} \right)\]

Ans: Given vertices are \[\left( \text{k,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{4,0} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{0,2} \right)\].

We know, the area of the triangle is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}  \text{k} & \text{0} & \text{1}  \\  \text{4} & \text{0} & \text{1}  \\  \text{0} & \text{2} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{k}\left( \text{0-2} \right)\text{-0}\left( \text{4-0} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{8-0} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \Delta \text{=}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{-2k+8} \right]\]

\[\therefore \Delta =-k+4\]

Since the area is given to be \[\text{4}\] square units, thus

$-k+4=\pm 4$

When \[-k+4=-4\]

\[\therefore k=8\].

When \[-k+4=4\]

\[\therefore k=0\].

Hence, \[\text{k=0,8}\].


ii. \[\text{(-2,0),}\left( \text{0,4} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{0,k} \right)\]

Ans: Given vertices are \[\text{(-2,0),}\left( \text{0,4} \right)\text{,}\left( \text{0,k} \right)\].

The area of the triangle is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}  \text{-2} & \text{0} & \text{1}  \\  \text{0} & \text{4} & \text{1}  \\  \text{0} & \text{k} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ -2\left( 4-k \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ }=k-4\]

Since the area is given to be \[\text{4}\] square units, thus

\[k-4=\pm 4\]

When \[k-4=-4\]

\[\therefore k=0\].

When \[k-4=4\]

\[\therefore k=8\].

Hence, \[k=0,8\].


4. Determine the following:

i. Find the equation of line joining \[\left( \text{1,2} \right)\] and \[\left( \text{3,6} \right)\] using determinants.

Ans: Let us assume a point, \[\text{P}\left( \text{x, y} \right)\] on the line joining points \[\text{A}\left( \text{1,2} \right)\] and \[\text{B}\left( \text{3,6} \right)\] .

Then, the points \[\text{A}\],$B$ and $P$ are collinear.

Thus, the area of the triangle \[\text{ABP}\] will be zero.

\[\therefore \dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}  \text{1} & \text{2} & \text{1}  \\ \text{3} & \text{6} & \text{1}  \\  \text{x} & \text{y} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\text{=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{1}\left( \text{6-y} \right)\text{-2}\left( \text{3-x} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{3y-6x} \right) \right]\text{=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{6-y-6+2x+3y-6x=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{2y-4x=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{y=2x}\]

$\therefore $ The equation of the line joining the given points is \[y=2x\].


ii. Find the equation of line joining \[\left( \text{3,1} \right)\] and \[\left( \text{9,3} \right)\] using determinants.

Ans: Let us assume a point, \[\text{P}\left( \text{x, y} \right)\] on the line joining points \[\text{A}\left( \text{3,1} \right)\] and \[\text{B}\left( \text{9,3} \right)\]. 

Then, the points \[\text{A}\],$B$ and $P$ are collinear.

Thus, the area of the triangle \[\text{ABP}\] will be zero.

\[\therefore \dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}   \text{3} & \text{1} & \text{1}  \\   \text{9} & \text{3} & \text{1}  \\   \text{x} & \text{y} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\text{=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{3}\left( \text{3-y} \right)\text{-1}\left( \text{9-x} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{9y-3x} \right) \right]\text{=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{9-3y-9+x+9y-3x=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{6y-2x=0}\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{x-3y=0}\]

$\therefore $ The equation of the line joining the given points is \[\text{x-3y=0}\] .


5. If the area of triangle is \[\text{35}\] square units with vertices \[\text{(2,-6)}\] , \[\left( \text{5,4} \right)\] and \[\left( \text{k,4} \right)\] . Then \[\text{k}\] is

  1. \[\text{12}\]

  2. \[\text{-2}\]

  3. \[\text{-12,-2}\]

  4. \[\text{12,-2}\]

Ans: Given vertices, \[\text{(2,-6)}\],\[\left( \text{5,4} \right)\] and \[\left( \text{k,4} \right)\]

The area of the triangle is given by,

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left| \begin{matrix}   \text{2} & \text{-6} & \text{1}  \\   \text{5} & \text{4} & \text{1}  \\   \text{k} & \text{4} & \text{1}  \\ \end{matrix} \right|\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{2}\left( \text{4-4} \right)\text{+6}\left( \text{5-k} \right)\text{+1}\left( \text{20-4k} \right) \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =}\dfrac{\text{1}}{\text{2}}\left[ \text{50-10k} \right]\]

\[\Rightarrow \text{ }\!\!\Delta\!\!\text{ =25-5k}\]

Given, the area of the triangle is \[\text{35}\] square units.

Thus, we have:

\[\Rightarrow 25-5k=\pm 35\]

\[\Rightarrow 5\left( 5-k \right)=\pm 35\]

\[\Rightarrow 5-k=\pm 7\].

When \[5-k=7\]

\[\therefore k=-2\].

When \[5-k=-7\]

\[\therefore k=12\].

Hence, \[k=12,-2\] .

Thus, D. \[12,-2\] is the correct option.

Conclusion

The Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.2 Solutions is pivotal for understanding the practical application of determinants in calculating the area of triangles. This exercise not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge of determinants but also highlights their significance in solving real-world geometric problems.


In previous years, questions from Class 12 Ex 4.2 have been prominent in exams, typically asking students to calculate the area of a triangle using given vertex coordinates. These questions often test the application of the determinant formula and the verification of results using determinant properties.


Class 12 Maths Chapter 4: Exercises Breakdown

S.No.

Chapter 4 - Determinants Exercises in PDF Format

1

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.1 - 8 Questions & Solutions (3 Short Answers, 5 Long Answers)

2

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.3 - 5 Questions & Solutions (2 Short Answers, 3 Long Answers)

3

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.4 - 5 Questions & Solutions (2 Short Answers, 3 Long Answers)

4

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.5 - 18 Questions & Solutions (4 Short Answers, 14 Long Answers)



CBSE Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Other Study Materials



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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants

1. How can you use column operations to simplify a determinant?

Apply column operations like C₁ → C₁ + C₂ + C₃ to create a common factor across one entire column. Take this common factor out of the determinant. This simplifies the elements, often creating 1s or 0s, which makes the final expansion much easier. Check that your operation does not change the determinant's value.


2. How can one prove a determinant is zero without expanding it?

Use the properties of determinants to show that two rows or two columns are identical or proportional. This is a key skill required for questions in the Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.2.


This method is faster than full expansion and demonstrates a correct understanding of determinant properties, which is often a specific requirement in exam questions that state "without expanding".




3. How can you factorise a determinant?

Look for a common factor in any single row or any single column. Use the property that allows you to take this common factor outside the determinant, which simplifies the expression inside. Repeat this process after applying row or column operations if new common factors are created.


4. How can you use step-by-step solutions to understand determinant properties?

Use the provided NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Determinants Exercise 4.2 to trace the logic behind each property application, not just to find the final answer.


Understanding the 'why' behind each step is crucial for solving new and complex problems. These solutions explain which property is used at each stage, building strong conceptual clarity for your exams.


5. How can one download the solutions for Exercise 4.2 Class 12 Maths?

Go to the Vedantu NCERT Solutions page for Class 12 Maths. Navigate to Chapter 4, Determinants, and select Exercise 4.2 from the list. Click the "Download PDF" button to save the complete, expert-verified solutions for offline study and quick revision.



6. How do you simplify a determinant by creating zeros in a row or column?

Strategically apply row or column operations to make all but one element in a chosen row or column equal to zero. This is a core technique in the Class 12 Maths Determinants exercise 4.2.


Expanding a determinant along a row or column that has the maximum number of zeros significantly reduces calculation. If a row is [a 0 0], the expansion simplifies to just 'a' times its cofactor.




7. What is the effect of interchanging two rows on a determinant's value?

Interchanging any two rows (Rᵢ ↔ Rⱼ) or any two columns (Cᵢ ↔ Cⱼ) of a determinant multiplies its value by -1. If the original determinant value is Δ, the new value after one interchange will be -Δ. This property is essential for many proofs.


8. How can you revise the properties of determinants for an exam using a solutions PDF?

Use the Free PDF of class 12 determinants exercise 4.2 solutions as an active revision tool by focusing on the patterns of property usage across different questions.


Passively re-reading solutions is not effective. Active revision involves identifying which properties are used for specific types of problems, helping you build a problem-solving framework for your exam.




9. How should one check answers for Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.2?

First, solve the entire problem on your own. Then, compare your final result and, more importantly, your intermediate steps with the expert-verified NCERT Solutions. Focus on whether you applied the same properties correctly, as this helps identify conceptual errors, not just calculation mistakes.


10. What is the best way to practise questions from Class 12 Maths Determinants Exercise 4.2?

The most effective practice method involves applying properties strategically without rushing to expand the determinant. This exercise is specifically designed to build your skills with determinant properties, not arithmetic.


Begin by trying to simplify the determinant using row and column operations (Rᵢ → Rᵢ + kRⱼ or Cᵢ → Cᵢ + kCⱼ). Your goal should be to introduce zeros or create common factors in a single row or column. Avoid expansion until it is the simplest final step.