Question:

If \[ A= \begin{bmatrix} 1&2\\ 3&4 \end{bmatrix}, \] then \(\det(A)\) is equal to:

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For a \(2\times2\) matrix, \[ \det \begin{bmatrix} a&b\\ c&d \end{bmatrix} = ad-bc. \] Always multiply the main diagonal first and then subtract the product of the other diagonal.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \(-2\)
  • \(-1\)
  • \(1\)
  • \(2\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The determinant of a square matrix is a numerical value associated with the matrix. Determinants are extremely useful in solving systems of equations, finding inverses of matrices, and studying linear transformations. For a \(2\times2\) matrix \[ \begin{bmatrix} a&b\\ c&d \end{bmatrix}, \] the determinant is calculated using \[ ad-bc. \] This is one of the most fundamental formulas in matrix algebra.

Step 1: Identify the entries of the matrix. From \[ A= \begin{bmatrix} 1&2\\ 3&4 \end{bmatrix}, \] we have \[ a=1,\quad b=2,\quad c=3,\quad d=4. \]

Step 2: Write the determinant formula. \[ \det(A)=ad-bc. \]

Step 3: Substitute the values. \[ \det(A) = (1)(4)-(2)(3). \]

Step 4: Perform the calculations. \[ = 4-6. \] \[ = -2. \]

Step 5: Verification. The determinant calculation follows the standard rule exactly and therefore the result is correct.

Step 6: Final Conclusion. \[ \boxed{\det(A)=-2} \] Hence the correct answer is \[ \boxed{\text{Option (A)}}. \]
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