Question:medium

Consider a 2x2 matrix \(A = \begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}\). If \(a+d=1\) and \(ad-bc=1\), then \(A^3\) is equal to

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The Cayley-Hamilton theorem is a very powerful tool for finding powers of a matrix. For any 2x2 matrix, always remember the formula \(A^2 - \text{tr}(A)A + \det(A)I = 0\). This allows you to express higher powers of \(A\) in terms of \(A\) and \(I\).
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • 0
  • \(-I\)
  • \(3I\)
  • \(I\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept Overview:
This solution utilizes the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, which asserts that a square matrix satisfies its characteristic equation. For a 2x2 matrix, the characteristic equation is given by \(\lambda^2 - \text{tr}(A)\lambda + \det(A) = 0\). Consequently, matrix \(A\) fulfills the equation \(A^2 - \text{tr}(A)A + \det(A)I = 0\).

Step 2: Methodology:
1. Determine the trace (\(\text{tr}(A) = a+d\)) and the determinant (\(\det(A) = ad-bc\)) from the provided data.
2. Formulate the Cayley-Hamilton equation for matrix \(A\).
3. Algebraically manipulate the equation to derive an expression for \(A^3\).

Step 3: Step-by-Step Solution:
We are given the 2x2 matrix \(A\) with the following properties:

\(\text{tr}(A) = a+d = 1\)
\(\det(A) = ad-bc = 1\) According to the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, for a 2x2 matrix: \[ A^2 - (\text{tr}(A))A + (\det(A))I = 0 \] Substituting the provided values: \[ A^2 - (1)A + (1)I = 0 \] \[ A^2 - A + I = 0 \] Therefore, \(A^2\) can be expressed as: \[ A^2 = A - I \] To determine \(A^3\), multiply the equation by \(A\): \[ A(A^2) = A(A - I) \] \[ A^3 = A^2 - AI \] \[ A^3 = A^2 - A \] Substituting the expression for \(A^2\) into the equation: \[ A^3 = (A - I) - A \] \[ A^3 = A - I - A \] \[ A^3 = -I \]
Step 4: Conclusion:
The resulting matrix \(A^3\) is \(-I\).
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