ECZ 2018 · O-Level Paper 2 · Question 1 — Matrices

Question from ECZ 2018 · O-Level Paper 2 · Question 1

(a) Given that matrix A = 4-512 and B = 8y35,

(a(i)) find the value of y for which the determinants of A and B are equal,[2]

Verified working — step 1

det A = (4)(2) - (-5)(1) = 8 + 5 = 13

(a(ii)) hence find the inverse of B.[2]

Verified working — step 1

With y = 9, B = 8935 and det B = 13.

(b) A small bag contains 6 black and 9 green pens of the same type. Two pens are taken at random one after the other from the bag without replacement. Calculate the probability that both pens

(b(i)) are black,[2]

Verified working — step 1

15 pens, drawn WITHOUT replacement, so 14 remain for the second draw.

(b(ii)) are of different colours.[3]

Verified working — step 1

"Different colours" is black-then-green or green-then-black.

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Original examination question © Examinations Council of Zambia. Worked solution and commentary © G12 Titan — not to be reproduced without permission.

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