Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We need to perform matrix multiplication and then equate the corresponding elements of the resulting matrix with the given target matrix to solve for \( a \) and \( b \).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Perform the multiplication:
Let the result be matrix \( R \).
The element \( R_{11} \) (first row, first column) is obtained by multiplying the first row of the first matrix with the first column of the second matrix:
\[ R_{11} = a(1) + 2(3) + 3(-1) = a + 6 - 3 = a + 3 \]
Equating to the given result \( R_{11} = 4 \):
\[ a + 3 = 4 \implies a = 1 \]
Now find \( b \) using element \( R_{21} \) (second row, first column):
\[ R_{21} = b(1) + 5(3) + (-1)(-1) = b + 15 + 1 = b + 16 \]
Equating to the given result \( R_{21} = 12 \):
\[ b + 16 = 12 \implies b = -4 \]
Thus, \( (a, b) = (1, -4) \).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The pair \( (a, b) \) is (1, -4).