Question:medium

If $\alpha,\beta,\gamma$ are the roots of the equation $x^3+bx+c=0$, then \[ \begin{vmatrix} \alpha & \beta & \gamma\\ \beta & \gamma & \alpha\\ \gamma & \alpha & \beta \end{vmatrix} = \]

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If the sum of columns or rows becomes the zero vector, the determinant is zero.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $-b^3$
  • $b^3-3c$
  • $b^2-3c$
  • $0$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the setup.
$\alpha,\beta,\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3+bx+c=0$. We must find the value of the $3\times3$ determinant whose rows are cyclic shifts of $\alpha,\beta,\gamma$.
Step 2: A key fact about the roots.
In $x^3+bx+c=0$ there is no $x^2$ term, so the coefficient of $x^2$ is $0$. By the sum-of-roots rule, \[ \alpha+\beta+\gamma=0. \]
Step 3: A useful column trick.
A determinant does not change if we add one column to another. Add column 2 and column 3 onto column 1: every entry in the new first column becomes $\alpha+\beta+\gamma$.
Step 4: Plug in the fact.
Since $\alpha+\beta+\gamma=0$, the whole first column turns into zeros: \[ \begin{vmatrix} 0&\beta&\gamma\\ 0&\gamma&\alpha\\ 0&\alpha&\beta \end{vmatrix}. \]
Step 5: Why a zero column matters.
If any full row or column of a determinant is all zeros, the determinant is exactly $0$. This is a basic property.
Step 6: Conclusion.
Therefore the value of the determinant is zero. \[ \boxed{0} \]
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