Q. If $\left| \begin{matrix} a + b & b + c & c + a \\ b + c & c + a & a + b \\ c + a & a + b & b + c \end{matrix} \right| = k\left| \begin{array}{r} a\ \ b\ \ c \\ b\ \ c\ \ a \\ c\ \ a\ \ b \end{array} \right|,\$then $k$ is equal to

A) 4
B) 3
C) 2
D) 1
Explanation

(c)
LHS=$\left| \begin{matrix}
a + b & b + c & c + a \\
b + c & c + a & a + b \\
c + a & a + b & b + c
\end{matrix} \right|$
The determinant can be written sum of $2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$ determinants of which 6 are reduces to zero because of their two rows are identical.
$\therefore\$ LHS=$2\left| \begin{array}{r}
a\ \ b\ \ c \\
b\ \ c\ \ a \\
c\ \ a\ \ b
\end{array} \right|$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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