Question:medium

If \(A\) is square matrix such that \(A^2 = A\), then \((2I + A)^4 - 65A\) is equal to (Where \(I\) is identity matrix)

Show Hint

Since \(A^2=A\), square \(2I+A\) twice and use \(A^2=A\) each time. You get \(16I+65A\).
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(8I\)
  • \(16I\)
  • \(16I + A\)
  • \(8I + A\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use the binomial theorem.
Since $I$ and $A$ commute, \[ (2I+A)^4 = \sum_{k=0}^{4}\binom{4}{k}(2I)^{4-k}A^k \]

Step 2: Replace each power of A.
From $A^2=A$ we get $A^k=A$ for $k \geq 1$. The $k=0$ term is a pure $I$ term.

Step 3: Add the terms.
The $k=0$ term is $2^4 I = 16I$. The terms with $k \geq 1$ all multiply $A$: \[ \left[\binom{4}{1}2^3+\binom{4}{2}2^2+\binom{4}{3}2+\binom{4}{4}\right]A = (32+24+8+1)A = 65A \]

Step 4: Finish.
So $(2I+A)^4 = 16I+65A$. Subtracting $65A$ leaves $16I$. This is option 2.

Step 5: Check with special matrices.
Idempotent matrices include the identity $I$ and the zero matrix $O$. For $A=I$: $(3I)^4 - 65I = 81I-65I = 16I$. For $A=O$: $(2I)^4 - O = 16I$. Both give $16I$, which agrees with our answer. Option 1 ($8I$) fails both tests. Option 3 gives $17I$ for $A=I$ and $16I$ for $A=O$, so it is not a fixed value. Option 4 gives $9I$ for $A=I$, so it fails.

Final Answer:
The answer is $16I$. \[ \boxed{16I} \]
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