Question:

The rank of the matrix \[ A= \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -1 & 0 & -2 -4 & 4 & 0 & 8 -2 & 1 & 2 & 4 \end{bmatrix} \] is:

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The rank of a matrix is the number of linearly independent rows or columns. If one row is a scalar multiple of another, it does not increase the rank.
Updated On: Jun 18, 2026
  • \(1\)
  • \(0\)
  • \(3\)
  • \(2\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Write the rows of the matrix.
The given matrix is \[ A= \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -1 & 0 & -2 -4 & 4 & 0 & 8 -2 & 1 & 2 & 4 \end{bmatrix} \] Let the rows be \[ R_1=[1,-1,0,-2], \] \[ R_2=[-4,4,0,8], \] and \[ R_3=[-2,1,2,4]. \]

Step 2: Check linear dependence of rows.

Observe that \[ R_2=-4R_1. \] So, the second row is a scalar multiple of the first row.
Therefore, \(R_1\) and \(R_2\) are linearly dependent.

Step 3: Check whether \(R_3\) is dependent on \(R_1\).

If \(R_3\) were a scalar multiple of \(R_1\), then there would exist a real number \(k\) such that \[ R_3=kR_1. \] From the first entry, \[ -2=k(1), \] so \[ k=-2. \] Then from the second entry, \[ 1=k(-1)=(-2)(-1)=2, \] which is false.
Therefore, \(R_3\) is not a scalar multiple of \(R_1\).

Step 4: Determine the rank.

Since \(R_2\) depends on \(R_1\), but \(R_3\) is independent of \(R_1\), there are exactly two linearly independent rows.
Hence, the rank of the matrix is \[ 2. \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.

Therefore, \[ \boxed{2} \]
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