Target Exam

CUET

Subject

-- Applied Mathematics - Section B2

Chapter

Algebra

Question:

If the system of equations $kx+y+z=0, x+ky-z=0, x-y+z=0$ has a non-zero solution, then the possible values of $k$ are

Options:

1, 3

1, -3

2, 3

-1, 3

Correct Answer:

-1, 3

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → -1, 3 **

Coefficient matrix: \(\begin{pmatrix}k & 1 & 1\\[4pt]1 & k & -1\\[4pt]1 & -1 & 1\end{pmatrix}\)

Non-trivial solution ⇒ determinant = 0.

\(\det = k\begin{vmatrix}k & -1\\[4pt]-1 & 1\end{vmatrix}-1\begin{vmatrix}1 & -1\\[4pt]1 & 1\end{vmatrix}+1\begin{vmatrix}1 & k\\[4pt]1 & -1\end{vmatrix}\)

\(=k(k-1)-1(2)+1(-1-k)=k^{2}-k-2-1-k=k^{2}-2k-3\)

Set \(k^{2}-2k-3=0\Rightarrow (k-3)(k+1)=0\)

Hence \(k=3\) or \(k=-1\).