Find the determinant of the matrix. $\left[ \begin{array} { c c }
- 5 & 2 \
\frac { 1 } { 2 } & 1
\end{array} \right]$
A)-6
B)-7
C)-4
D)-5
E)-8

Question

Find the determinant of the matrix.   $\left[ \begin{array} { c c } 
- 5 & 2 \
\frac { 1 } { 2 } & 1
\end{array} \right]$  
A)-6
B)-7
C)-4
D)-5
E)-8

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The determinant of a 2x2 matrix $\left[ \begin{array} { c c } a & b \ c & d \end{array} \right]$ is calculated as $ad - bc$. For the given matrix, $a = -5$, $b = 2$, $c = \frac{1}{2}$, and $d = 1$. Thus, the determinant is $(-5)(1) - (2)(\frac{1}{2}) = -5 - 1 = -6$.

Find the Determinant of the Matrix [−52121]\left[ \begin{array} { c c } - 5 & 2 \\\frac { 1 } { 2 } & 1\end{array} \right][−521​​21​]

Find the Determinant of the Matrix $\left[ \begin{array} { c c } - 5 & 2 \\\frac { 1 } { 2 } & 1\end{array} \right]$