JAMB 2025 Mathematics · Question 23

Find the sum of the entries in the inverse of [1235]\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 5 \end{bmatrix}

Options

  1. A.1
  2. B.-1
  3. C.2
  4. D.0.5

Answer: B. -1

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the Question

We are given a 2×22 \times 2 matrix A=[1235]A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 5 \end{bmatrix}. We need to find its inverse, A−1A^{-1}, and then calculate the sum of all the elements (entries) within that resulting matrix.

2. Explain the Concept

For a 2×22 \times 2 matrix A=[abcd]A = \begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}, the inverse is given by the formula:

A−1=1det⁡(A)[d−b−ca]A^{-1} = \frac{1}{\det(A)} \begin{bmatrix} d & -b \\ -c & a \end{bmatrix}

Where det⁡(A)=(ad−bc)\det(A) = (ad - bc).

3. Show the Solution

Step 1: Find the determinant of A.

det⁡(A)=(1×5)−(2×3)\det(A) = (1 \times 5) - (2 \times 3)
det⁡(A)=5−6=−1\det(A) = 5 - 6 = -1

Step 2: Find the inverse matrix. Using the formula:

A−1=1−1[5−2−31]A^{-1} = \frac{1}{-1} \begin{bmatrix} 5 & -2 \\ -3 & 1 \end{bmatrix}

Multiply each element by −1-1:

A−1=[−523−1]A^{-1} = \begin{bmatrix} -5 & 2 \\ 3 & -1 \end{bmatrix}

Step 3: Find the sum of the entries. Sum =(−5)+2+3+(−1)= (-5) + 2 + 3 + (-1) Sum =−5+2+3−1= -5 + 2 + 3 - 1 Sum =−3+3−1= -3 + 3 - 1 Sum =0−1=−1= 0 - 1 = -1

4. Identify the Answer

The sum of the entries is −1-1. Comparing this to the given options, it matches option B.

5. Exam Tip

When finding the inverse of a 2×22 \times 2 matrix, remember the "Swap and Negate" rule: swap the elements on the leading diagonal (aa and dd) and change the signs of the elements on the other diagonal (bb and cc). Always double-check your determinant calculation, as a sign error there will change the entire result!

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