The value(s) of x, for which the matrix $A=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x-1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-1\end{array}\right]$ is singular, is/are :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
$A=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x-1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-1\end{array}\right]$
we need to find x for |A| = 0
$|A|=\left|\begin{array}{ccc}x-1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-1\end{array}\right|$
⇒ Using operation R1 → R1 + R2 + R3
$|A|=\left|\begin{array}{ccc}x+1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-1\end{array}\right|$
⇒ So $|A|=(x+1)\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-1 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-1\end{array}\right|$
⇒ Using operation R2 → R2 - R1
R3 → R3 - R1
$(x+1)\left|\begin{array}{ccc}1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & x-2 & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & x-2\end{array}\right|$
So expanding along R1
So |A| = (x + 1)(x - 2)(x - 2) = 0
⇒ x = -1, 2 for |A| = 0 (singularity)