ACT Math · Matrices and vectors

Is the matrix bmatrix 4 & 6 \\ 2 & 3 bmatrix invertible?

Is the matrix [4623]\begin{bmatrix} 4 & 6 \\ 2 & 3 \end{bmatrix} invertible?

Answer and explanation

Answer: D: No, since its determinant is zero.

A square matrix is invertible exactly when its determinant is not zero. The determinant is (4)(3)−(6)(2)=12−12=0(4)(3)-(6)(2)=12-12=0, so the matrix is not invertible, choice D. You can also notice that the first row is twice the second row, so the rows are dependent. Choice A claims a nonzero determinant, which is false. Choice B is wrong because the matrix is square (2×22\times2). Choice C is wrong because positive entries do not guarantee invertibility, as this example shows. The determinant is the test.

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