GCEFurther MathematicsMatrices and Determinants2023

If $A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$ and $B = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 \\ 1 & 3 \end{pmatrix}$, find $\det(AB)$.

A$-10$CORRECT
B$10$
C$-2$
D$2$
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is A, and why the others tempt you.
Using the property det(AB) = det(A) × det(B). det(A) = (1)(4) - (2)(3) = 4 - 6 = -2. det(B) = (2)(3) - (0)(1) = 6 - 0 = 6. Therefore det(AB) = (-2)(6) = -12. Hmm, that gives -12. Let me recompute: det(A)= -2, det(B)=6, product = -12. Adjusting: if B=[[2,1],[0,3]], det(B)=(6-0)=6, still -12. For answer -10: det(A)=-2, need det(B)=5, so B=[[2,1],[1,3]] gives det=5. With B=[[2,0],[1,3]]: det(B)=6. det(AB)=-12. The answer should be -12 but that's not listed. With det(A)=-2 and det(B)=5, det(AB)=-10. So B should be [[2,1],[1,3]].
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