<PRE><B>Question 1055331</B>
 Find the value(s)of b for which 
Z = 
6 &amp;#8722;b &amp;#8722;4
b 0 1
1 &amp;#8722;2 1 
is singular.
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Determine the determinant of the matrix.
(6*0*1 + b*-2*-4 + 1*1*b) - (-4*0*1 + 1*-2*6 + 1*b*-b)
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(0 + 8b + b) - (0 - 12 - b^2)
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Determinant = 9b + 12 + b^2
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Matrix is singular iff determinant = 0
Solve::
b^2 + 9b + 12 = 0
b = [-9 +- sqrt(81-4*12)]/2
b = [-9 +- sqrt(33)]/2
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Cheers,
Stan H.


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