Prove that the determinant
Concept/Theory
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A determinant is said to be independent of a variable if, after simplification, its value does not contain that variable. Here, the determinant contains \(\sin\theta\) and \(\cos\theta\), so the objective is to simplify it and show that all terms involving \(\theta\) either cancel or combine using a trigonometric identity.
The most suitable method is expansion along the first row. For a determinant
We will also use the fundamental trigonometric identity
Step-by-step Plan
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Expand the determinant along the first row.
Evaluate each of the three \(2\times2\) minors carefully.
Multiply each minor by its corresponding cofactor term, observing the signs \(+,-,+\).
Combine the resulting terms.
Cancel the mixed terms containing \(\sin\theta\cos\theta\).
Use \(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta=1\).
Show that the final value contains no \(\theta\), establishing the required result.
Complete Solution
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- Let\[ D= \begin{vmatrix} x & \sin\theta & \cos\theta\\ -\sin\theta & -x & 1\\ \cos\theta & 1 & x \end{vmatrix} \]
- We expand \(D\) along the first row. The signs of the cofactors in the first row are\[ +,\quad -,\quad +. \]
- Therefore,\[ D=x\begin{vmatrix}-x & 1\\1 & x\end{vmatrix}- \sin\theta\begin{vmatrix}-\sin\theta & 1\\\cos\theta & x\end{vmatrix}+ \cos\theta\begin{vmatrix}-\sin\theta & -x\\\cos\theta & 1\end{vmatrix}\]
- First minor
- \[\begin{aligned}\begin{vmatrix}-x & 1\\1 & x\end{vmatrix}&=(-x)(x)-(1)(1)\\&=-x^2-1\end{aligned}\]
- Hence, the first term is\[x(-x^2-1)\]
- Second minor
- \[\begin{aligned}\begin{vmatrix}-\sin\theta & 1\\\cos\theta & x\end{vmatrix}&=(-\sin\theta)(x)-(1)(\cos\theta)\\&=-x\sin\theta-\cos\theta\end{aligned}\]
- Therefore, the second term is\[-\sin\theta(-x\sin\theta-\cos\theta)\]
- Third minor
- \[\begin{aligned}\begin{vmatrix}-\sin\theta & -x\\\cos\theta & 1\end{vmatrix} &=(-\sin\theta)(1)-(-x)(\cos\theta)\\ &=-\sin\theta+x\cos\theta \end{aligned} \]
- Therefore, the third term is\[\cos\theta(-\sin\theta+x\cos\theta)\]
- Substituting all three evaluated minors, we obtain\[ D=x(-x^2-1) -\sin\theta(-x\sin\theta-\cos\theta) +\cos\theta(-\sin\theta+x\cos\theta). \]
- Now distribute the factors term by term:\[x(-x^2-1)=-x^3-x\]\[ -\sin\theta(-x\sin\theta-\cos\theta) = x\sin^2\theta+\sin\theta\cos\theta, \]\[ \cos\theta(-\sin\theta+x\cos\theta) = -\sin\theta\cos\theta+x\cos^2\theta. \]
- Hence,\[ D=-x^3-x+x\sin^2\theta+\sin\theta\cos\theta -\sin\theta\cos\theta+x\cos^2\theta. \]
- The two mixed terms cancel each other:\[\sin\theta\cos\theta-\sin\theta\cos\theta=0\]
- Therefore,\[D=-x^3-x+x\sin^2\theta+x\cos^2\theta.\]
- Taking \(x\) common from the last two terms\[D=-x^3-x+x(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta)\]
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Using the identity
\[ \sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta=1, \] - we get\[D=-x^3-x+x(1)\]
- Thus,\[D=-x^3-x+x\]
- Therefore,\[\boxed{D=-x^3}\]Since the final value\[ -x^3 \]contains no \(\theta\), the value of the determinant is independent of \(\theta\).
Exam Significance
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This problem tests several important Class 12 determinant skills simultaneously: expansion along a row, correct application of cofactor signs, evaluation of \(2\times2\) determinants, algebraic simplification, cancellation of terms, and application of the identity
A particularly important examination point is that the expression should not merely be simplified to a numerical-looking result. The final statement must explicitly establish that the resulting determinant contains no \(\theta\). Therefore,
Significance for Competitive Entrance Examinations
For competitive examinations, this question develops the ability to recognize cancellation patterns quickly. The terms
The problem also reinforces an important determinant strategy: when a determinant contains trigonometric expressions, do not attempt to assign particular values to the angle. Instead, simplify symbolically and look for standard identities such as
Key Takeaways
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For a \(3\times3\) determinant, expansion along the first row uses the cofactor signs \(+,-,+\).
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Evaluate every \(2\times2\) minor carefully before performing the final simplification.
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When a determinant contains \(\sin\theta\) and \(\cos\theta\), look for cancellation and the identity \(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta=1\).
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To prove independence of a variable, simplify completely and verify that the variable disappears from the final expression.
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The mixed terms \(\sin\theta\cos\theta\) cancel exactly in this determinant.
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The trigonometric terms reduce to \(x(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta)=x\).
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The determinant has the remarkably simple value \(\boxed{-x^3}\), regardless of the value of \(\theta\).
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For Board examinations, show the expansion, minors, simplification, identity, and final conclusion explicitly.
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For competitive examinations, learn to identify cancellation patterns and standard identities rapidly.