MCQMediumJEE 2026Properties of Determinants

JEE Mathematics 2026 Question with Solution

Let f(x)=7x10+9x8(1+x2+2x9)2dx,x>0,f(x)=\int \frac{7x^{10}+9x^8}{(1+x^2+2x^9)^2}\,dx,\quad x>0, and A=[00114f(1)1α41].A= \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1\\ \frac14 & f'(1) & 1\\ \alpha & 4 & 1 \end{bmatrix}. If B=adj(adjA)B=\operatorname{adj}(\operatorname{adj} A), then the value of α\alpha for which det(B)=1\det(B)=1 is

  • A

    11

  • B

    22

  • C

    33

  • D

    44

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given:

  • f(x)=7x10+9x8(1+x2+2x9)2dxf(x)=\int \frac{7x^{10}+9x^8}{(1+x^2+2x^9)^2}\,dx with x>0x>0
  • A=[00114f(1)1α41]A=\begin{bmatrix}0&0&1\\ \frac14&f'(1)&1\\ \alpha&4&1\end{bmatrix}
  • B=adj(adjA)B=\operatorname{adj}(\operatorname{adj} A)
  • det(B)=1\det(B)=1

Find: The value of α\alpha.

First, by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus,

f(x)=7x10+9x8(1+x2+2x9)2f'(x)=\frac{7x^{10}+9x^8}{(1+x^2+2x^9)^2}

So at x=1x=1,

f(1)=7+9(1+1+2)2=1616=1f'(1)=\frac{7+9}{(1+1+2)^2}=\frac{16}{16}=1

Hence,

A=[0011411α41]A=\begin{bmatrix}0&0&1\\ \frac14&1&1\\ \alpha&4&1\end{bmatrix}

For a 3×33\times 3 matrix,

det(adj(adjA))=(detA)(31)2=(detA)4\det(\operatorname{adj}(\operatorname{adj} A))=(\det A)^{(3-1)^2}=(\det A)^4

Therefore,

det(B)=(detA)4=1\det(B)=(\det A)^4=1

So,

detA=±1\det A=\pm 1

Now compute detA\det A by expanding along the first row:

detA=00+1141α4\det A=0-0+1\begin{vmatrix}\frac14&1\\ \alpha&4\end{vmatrix}

Thus,

detA=144α=1α\det A=\frac14\cdot 4-\alpha=1-\alpha

Therefore,

(1α)4=1(1-\alpha)^4=1

which gives

1α=±11-\alpha=\pm 1

So,

α=0 or 2\alpha=0 \text{ or } 2

Among the given options, only 22 is present. The solution lists option CC and boxed 33, but that contradicts the determinant calculation shown. Therefore, the defensible correct option from the working is B.

Common mistakes

  • Using the antiderivative f(x)f(x) instead of the integrand for f(x)f'(x). This is wrong because the question asks for f(1)f'(1), and by differentiation of an indefinite integral, f(x)f'(x) equals the integrand. Evaluate the given rational expression at x=1x=1 directly.

  • Applying the adjugate determinant property incorrectly. For an n×nn\times n matrix, det(adjA)=(detA)n1\det(\operatorname{adj} A)=(\det A)^{n-1}, so for adj(adjA)\operatorname{adj}(\operatorname{adj} A) in the 3×33\times 3 case, the exponent becomes (n1)2=4(n-1)^2=4. Do not use exponent 22 or 33 here.

  • Making a sign error while expanding detA\det A along the first row. The only nonzero entry in the first row is the third entry, and its cofactor sign is positive. Hence detA=141α4=1α\det A=\begin{vmatrix}\frac14&1\\ \alpha&4\end{vmatrix}=1-\alpha, not α1\alpha-1.

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