StreakPeaked· Practice

ExamsJEE MainMaths

Let a, b be nonzero reals and define f(n) = aⁿ + bⁿ. Given that the determinant | 3, 1+f(1), 1+f(2); 1+f(1), 1+f(2), 1+f(3); 1+f(2), 1+f(3), 1+f(4) | equals K*(1-a)²*(1-b)²*(a-b)², find the value of K.

  1. ab
  2. 1/(ab)
  3. 1
  4. -1

Correct answer: 1

Solution

The determinant can be written as the square of a Vandermonde determinant in 1, a, b, which equals [(1-a)(1-b)(a-b)]² exactly, so K = 1.

Related JEE Main Maths questions

⚔️ Practice JEE Main Maths free + battle 1v1 →