If the matrix $\begin{bmatrix}2&-1&3\\λ&0&7\\-1&1&4\end{bmatrix}$ is not invertible, then value of $λ$ is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 1
Matrix:
$A=\begin{pmatrix} 2 & -1 & 3 \\ \lambda & 0 & 7 \\ -1 & 1 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$
For the matrix to be not invertible:
$\det(A)=0$
Compute determinant:
$\det(A) = 2\begin{vmatrix}0 & 7 \\ 1 & 4\end{vmatrix} - (-1)\begin{vmatrix}\lambda & 7 \\ -1 & 4\end{vmatrix} + 3\begin{vmatrix}\lambda & 0 \\ -1 & 1\end{vmatrix}$
$= 2(0\cdot4 - 7\cdot1) + 1(\lambda\cdot4 - 7(-1)) + 3(\lambda\cdot1 - 0)$
$= 2(-7) + (4\lambda + 7) + 3\lambda$
$= -14 + 4\lambda + 7 + 3\lambda$
$= 7\lambda - 7$
Set determinant = 0:
$7\lambda - 7 = 0$
$7\lambda = 7$
$\lambda = 1$
The matrix is not invertible when $\lambda = 1$.