S K Mondal’s

GATE Mathematics

Chapter wise ALL GATE Questions of All Branch

Copyright © 2007 S K Mondal

Every effort has been made to see that there are no errors (typographical or otherwise) in the
material presented. However, it is still possible that there are a few errors (serious or
otherwise). I would be thankful to the readers if they are brought to my attention at the
following e-mail address: swapan_mondal_01@yahoo.co.in

Er. S K Mondal
IES Officer (Railway), GATE topper, NTPC ET-2003 batch, 12 years teaching
experienced, Author of Hydro Power Familiarization (NTPC Ltd)
 S K Mondal's

1. Matrix Algebra
Previous Years GATE Questions

EC All GATE Questions

⎡1 ⎤
⎡2 −0.1⎤ ⎢ 2 a ⎥ Then (a + b) =
1. Let, A = ⎢ and A–1 = [EC: GATE-20005
⎣0 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢ ⎥
⎣⎢ 0 b ⎥⎦
7 3 19 11
(a) (b) (c) (d)
20 20 60 20

1.(a)
We know AA −1 = I2
⎛1 ⎞
⎛ 2 −0.1 ⎞ ⎜ a ⎟ ⎛ 1 2a − 0.1b ⎞ ⎛ 1 0 ⎞
⇒⎜ ⎟ 2 = ⎟=⎜
⎝0 3 ⎠ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎜⎝ 0 3b ⎠ ⎝0 1⎠
⎟
⎝0 b⎠
1 1
⇒ b = and a =
3 60
7
∴a + b =
20

⎡ 1 1 1 1⎤
⎢ 1 1 −1 −1⎥
2. Given an orthogonal matrix A = ⎢ ⎥ [AAT]–1 is [EC: GATE-2005]
⎢ 1 −1 0 0 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎣⎢0 0 1 −1⎦⎥
⎡1 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤
⎢ 4 0 0 0⎥ ⎢ 2 0 0 0⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢ 0 1 0 0⎥ ⎢ 0 1 0 0⎥
⎢ 4 ⎥ ⎢ 2 ⎥
(a) ⎢ ⎥ (b) ⎢ ⎥
⎢ 0 0 1 0⎥ ⎢ 0 0 1 0⎥
⎢ 2 ⎥ ⎢ 2 ⎥
⎢ 1⎥ ⎢ 1⎥
⎢0 0 0 ⎥ ⎢0 0 0 ⎥
⎣⎢ 2 ⎥⎦ ⎣⎢ 2 ⎥⎦

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⎡1 ⎤
⎢ 4 0 0 0⎥
⎡1 0 0 0⎤ ⎢ ⎥
⎢0 ⎢ 0 1 0 0⎥
1 0 0 ⎥⎥ ⎢ 4 ⎥
(c) ⎢ (d) ⎢ ⎥
⎢0 0 1 0⎥ ⎢ 0 0 1 0⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎣⎢0 0 0 1⎦⎥ 4
⎢ 1⎥
⎢0 0 0 ⎥
⎢⎣ 4 ⎥⎦
2.(c).
We know
AA t = I4
−1 −1
⎡⎣ AA T ⎤⎦ = ⎣⎡I4 ⎦⎤ = I4
⎡1 1 1⎤
3. The rank of the matrix ⎢⎢1 −1 0 ⎥⎥ is [EC: GATE-2006]
⎢⎣1 1 1⎥⎦
(a) 0 (b) 1
(c) 2 (d) 3

3. (c)
⎛1 1 1 ⎞ ⎛1 1 1 ⎞ ⎛1 2 1 ⎞
⎜ ⎟ R3 − R1 ⎜ ⎟ R1 − R2 ⎜ ⎟
⎜1 −1 0 ⎟ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎜ 1 −1 0 ⎟ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎜ 1 −1 0 ⎟ = A1 (say).
⎜1 1 1 ⎟ ⎜0 0 0⎟ ⎜0 0 0⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
∴ rank(A) = 2.

5. The eigen values of a skew-symmetric matrix are [EC: GATE-2010]

(a) Always zero (b) always pure imaginary
(c) Either zero or pure imaginary (d) always real
5. (c)

ME 20 Years GATE Questions

⎡ 0 2 2⎤
6. Rank of the matrix ⎢ 7 4 8 ⎥ is 3. [ME: GATE-1994]
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ -7 0 -4⎥⎦

6.Ans. False
As.det A = 0 so,rank(A) < 3

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0 2
But = −14 ≠ 0
7 4
∴ rank(A) = 2.

7. Rank of the matrix given below is: [ME: GATE-1999]

⎡ 3 2 -9 ⎤
⎢ -6 -4 18 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣12 8 -36 ⎥⎦
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 2
7. (a)
3 2 −9 3 2 −9
R3 − 4R1
−6 −4 18 ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R 2 + 2R1
→0 0 0
12 8 −36 0 0 0
∴ rank = 1.

8. The rank of a 3×3 matrix C (=AB), found by multiplying a non-zero column matrix A
of size 3×1 and a non-zero row matrix B of size 1×3, is [ME: GATE-2001]
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3

8.(b)
a1
LetA = a 2 ,B = [b1 b2 b3 ]
a3
⎡ a1 b1 a1 b2 a1 b3 ⎤
⎢ ⎥
Then C = AB = ⎢a2 b1 a 2 b2 a2 b3 ⎥ .Then det (AB) = 0.
⎢⎣a3 b1 a3 b2 a3 b3 ⎥⎦
Then also every minor
of order 2 is also zero.
∴ rank(C) = 1.

9. A is a 3 x 4 real matrix and A x = b is an inconsistent system of equations. The

highest possible rank of A is [ME: GATE-2005]

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

9.(b). Highest possible rank of A= 2 ,as Ax = b is an inconsistent system.

10. Match the items in columns I and II. [ME: GATE-2006]

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Column I Column II
P. Singular matrix 1. Determinant is not defined
Q. Non-square matrix 2. Determinant is always one
R. Real symmetric 3. Determinant is zero
S. Orthogonal matrix 4. Eigenvalues are always real
5. Eigenvalues are not defined
(a) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2 (b) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1
(c) P-3, Q-2, R-5, S-4 (d) P-3, Q-4, R-2, S-1

10.(a) (P) Singular matrix Æ Determinant is zero

(Q) Non-square matrix Æ Determinant is not defined
(R) Real symmetric Æ Eigen values are always real
(S) Orthogonal Æ Determinant is always one

CE 10 Years GATE Questions

[ A ] is its
T
Q1. [A] is a square matrix which is neither symmetric nor skew-symmetric and
[ S] = [ A ] + [ A ] and
T
transpose. The sum and difference of these matrices are defined as
[ D] = [ A ] − [ A ]
T
, respectively. Which of the following statements is TRUE? [CE-2011]
(a) both [S] and [D] are symmetric
(b) both [S] and [D] are skew –symmetric
(c) [S] is skew-symmetric and [D] is symmetric
(d) [S] is symmetric and [D] is skew-symmetric.
Ans. (d)
Exp. Take any matrix and check.
⎡4 2 1 3 ⎤
11. Given matrix [A] = ⎢⎢ 6 3 4 7 ⎥⎥ , the rank of the matrix is [CE: GATE – 2003]
⎢⎣ 2 1 0 1⎥⎦
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1
11.(c)
⎡4 2 1 3 ⎤ ⎡0 0 1 1 ⎤ ⎡0 0 1 1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ R1 −2R3 ⎢ ⎥ R2 −4R1 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢6 3 4 7 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R 2 −3R3
→ ⎢0 0 4 4 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0 0 0 0 ⎥
⎢⎣2 1 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣2 1 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣2 1 0 1 ⎥⎦
∴ Rank(A) = 2

12. Real matrices [A]3 × 1 , [B]3 × 3 , [C]3 × 5 , [D]5 × 3 , [E]5 × 5 and [F]5 × 1 are given. Matrices [B] and
[E] are symmetric. [CE: GATE – 2004]
Following statements are made with respect to these matrices.
1. Matrix product [F]T [C]T [B] [C] [F] is a scalar.
2. Matrix product [D]T [F] [D] is always symmetric.
With reference to above statements, which of the following applies?

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(a) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false

(b) Statement 1 is false but 2 is true
(c) Both the statements are true
(d) Both the statements are false
12.(a)
T
Let ⎡⎣I⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣F⎤⎦ 1T×5⎡⎣C⎤⎦5×3 ⎡⎣B⎤⎦ 3×3 ⎡⎣C⎤⎦ 3×5⎡⎣F⎤⎦ 5×1
= ⎣⎡I⎦⎤1×1 = scalar.
T
Let ⎡⎣I'⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣D⎤⎦3×5 ⎡⎣F⎤⎦5×1 ⎡⎣D⎤⎦5×3 is not define.

13. Consider the matrices X (4 × 3), Y (4 × 3) and P (2 × 3). The order or P (XTY)–1PT] T will be
[CE: GATE – 2005]
(a) (2 × 2) (b) (3 × 3)
(c) (4 × 3) (d) (3 × 4)
13.(a)
T
⎡P X T Y
( ) P3T×2 ⎤
−1

⎢⎣ 2×3 3×4 4×3 ⎥⎦

T
= ⎡⎣ P2×3 Z3−×13 P3T×2 ⎤⎦ ⎡⎣Take Z = XY,⎦⎤
T ⎡ T = PZ−1PT ⎤
⎡ ⎤
= ⎣ T2×2 ⎦ = ⎣⎡T'⎦⎤2×2 ⎢ ⎥
T
⎢⎣ T' = T ⎥⎦

⎡1 2⎤
14. The inverse of the 2 × 2 matrix ⎢ is, [CE: GATE – 2007]
⎣5 7 ⎥⎦
1 ⎡ −7 2⎤ 1 ⎡7 2 ⎤
(a) ⎢ (b)
3 ⎣ 5 −1⎥⎦ 3 ⎢⎣5 1⎥⎦
1 ⎡ 7 −2 ⎤ 1 ⎡ −7 −2⎤
(c) ⎢ −5 1⎥ (d) ⎢ −5 −1⎥
3 ⎣ ⎦ 3 ⎣ ⎦
14(a).
−1
⎡1 2⎤ 1 ⎡ −7 2 ⎤
⎢5 7 ⎥ =
⎣ ⎦ 3 ⎢⎣ 5 −1⎥⎦

15. The product of matrices (PQ)–1 P is [CE: GATE – 2008]

(a) P–1 (b) Q–1
(c) P Q P
–1 –1 (d) PQ P–1

15.(b)
( PQ )
−1
P = Q−1P−1P = Q−1

16. A square matrix B is skew-symmetric if [CE: GATE – 2009]

(a) BT = –B (b) BT = B

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(c) B–1 = B (d) B–1 = BT

16.(a)
BT = − B

⎡3 + 2 i i ⎤
17. The inverse of the matrix ⎢ is [CE: GATE – 2010]
⎣ −i 3 − 2 i ⎥⎦
1 ⎡3 + 2 i −i ⎤ 1 ⎡3 − 2 i −i ⎤
(a) (b) ⎢
⎢
12 ⎣ i ⎥
3 − 2 i⎦ 12 ⎣ i 3 + 2 i ⎥⎦

1 ⎡3 + 2 i −i ⎤ 1 ⎡3 − 2 i −i ⎤
(c) ⎢ ⎥ (d) ⎢ ⎥
14 ⎣ i 3 − 2 i⎦ 14 ⎣ i 3 + 2 i⎦

17.(b)
−1
⎛ 3 + 2i i ⎞ 1 ⎡3 − 2i −i ⎤
⎜ ⎟ = ⎢ ⎥
⎝ −i 3 − 2i ⎠ 12 ⎣ i 3 + 2i ⎦

IE All GATE Questions

18. For a given 2 × 2 matrix A, it is observed that [IE: GATE-2006]

⎡ 1⎤ ⎡ 1⎤ ⎡ 1⎤ ⎡ 1⎤
A ⎢ ⎥ = – ⎢ ⎥ and A ⎢ ⎥ = –2 ⎢ ⎥
⎣ –1⎦ ⎣ –1⎦ ⎣ –2⎦ ⎣ –2⎦
Then matrix A is
⎡ 2 1⎤ ⎡ −1 0⎤ ⎡ 1 1⎤
(a) A = ⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1 −1⎦ ⎣ 0 −2⎦ ⎣ −1 −2⎦
⎡ 1 1⎤ ⎡ 1 0 ⎤ ⎡ 2 1⎤
(b) A = ⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1 −2⎦ ⎣0 2 ⎦ ⎣ −1 −1⎦
⎡ 1 1⎤ ⎡ −1 0 ⎤ ⎡ 2 1⎤
(c) A = ⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1 −2⎦ ⎣ 0 −2⎦ ⎣ −1 −1⎦
⎡0 −2 ⎤
(d) A = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ 1 −3⎦
18.(c)
From these conditions eigen values are -1 and -2.
⎛1 1 ⎞
Let P = ⎜ ⎟
⎝ −1 −2 ⎠
⎛2 1 ⎞
⇒ P−1 = ⎜ ⎟
⎝ −1 −1 ⎠
⎛ −1 0 ⎞
∴ P−1 A P = ⎜ ⎟ = D(say)
⎝ 0 −2 ⎠

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⎛ 1 1 ⎞ ⎛ −1 0 ⎞ ⎛ 2 1 ⎞
⇒ A = PDP−1 = ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟
⎝ −1 −2 ⎠ ⎝ 0 −2 ⎠ ⎝ −1 −1 ⎠

EE
⎡2 1 ⎤
Q27. The matrix [ A ] = ⎢ ⎥ is decomposed into a product of a lower triangular matrix [ L ] and
⎣4 −1⎦
an upper triangular matrix [ U] . The properly decomposed [ L ] and [ U] matrices
respectively are
⎡1 0 ⎤ ⎡1 0 ⎤ ⎡2 0 ⎤ ⎡1 1⎤
(a) ⎢ ⎥ and ⎢ 4 −1⎥ (b) ⎢ ⎥ and ⎢ ⎥
⎣ 4 −1⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ 4 −1⎦ ⎣ 0 1⎦
⎡1 0⎤ ⎡2 1 ⎤ ⎡2 0 ⎤ ⎡1 0.5⎤
(c) ⎢ ⎥ and ⎢ ⎥ (d) ⎢ ⎥ and ⎢ ⎥ [EE-2011]
⎣4 1⎦ ⎣ 0 −1⎦ ⎣ 4 −3 ⎦ ⎣0 1 ⎦
Ans. (d)

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2. Systems of Linear Equations

Previous Years GATE Question

EC All GATE Questions

1. The system of linear equations [EC: GATE-2008]
4x + 2y = 7
2x + y = 6
has
(a) A unique solution (b) no solution
(c) An infinite number of solutions (d) exactly two distinct solutions

1.(b)
⎛4 2⎞
This can be written as AX = B Where A = ⎜ ⎟
⎝2 1⎠
⎡4 2 7 ⎤
Angemented matrix A = ⎢ ⎥
⎣2 1 6 ⎦
R1 − 2R2 ⎡0 0 −5 ⎤
A ⎯⎯⎯⎯ →=⎢ ⎥
⎣2 1 6 ⎦
( )
rank ( A ) ≠ rank A . The system is inconsistant .So system has no solution.

ME 20 Years GATE Questions

2. Using Cramer’s rule, solve the following set of equations [ME: GATE-1995]
2x + 3y + z = 9
4x + y = 7
x – 3y – 7z = 6

2. Ans.
Given equations are
2x + 3y + 1z = 9
4x + 1y + 0z = 7
1x – 3y – 7z = 6
By Cramer’s Rule

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x y z 1
= = =
9 3 1 2 9 1 2 3 9 2 3 1
7 1 0 4 7 0 4 1 7 4 1 0
6 -3 -7 1 6 -7 1 -3 6 1 -3 -7

x y z 1
or = = =
9 3 1 2 9 1 −10 0 -12 2 3 1
7 1 0 4 -7 0 4 1 7 4 1 0
69 18 -7 15 69 0 13 0 27 15 18 0

x y z 1
or = = = Hence x=1; y=3; z=-2
57 171 −114 57

4. For the following set of simultaneous equations: [ME: GATE-1997]

1.5x – 0.5y = 2
4x + 2y + 3z = 9
7x + y + 5z = 10
(a) The solution is unique (b) Infinitely many solutions exist
(c) The equations are incompatible (d) Finite number of multiple solutions exist

4. (a)
⎡3 1 ⎤
⎢2 − 0 2⎥ ⎡3 / 2 −1 0 2⎤
2 2
⎢ ⎥ R2 −2R1 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢4 2 3 9 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ R3 − 4R1
→ ⎢ 1 3 3 5 ⎥
⎢7 ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
1 5 10 ⎢ 1 3 5 2⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎣ ⎦
⎣ ⎦
⎡3 / 2 −1 0 2⎤
⎢ 2 ⎥
R3 − R 2
⎯⎯⎯⎯ →⎢ 1 3 3 5⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢ 0 0 2 −3⎥
⎣ ⎦
_
∴rank of ( A ) = rank of ( A ) = 3
∴The system has unique solution.

5. Consider the system of equations given below: [ME: GATE-2001]

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x+y=2
2x + 2y = 5
This system has
(a) One solution (b) No solution (c) Infinite solution (d) Four solution

5. (b)
Same as Q.1

6. The following set of equations has [ME: GATE-2002]

3x+2y+z=4 x–y+z=2 -2 x + 2 z = 5
(a) No solution (b) A unique solution (c) Multiple solution (d) An inconsistency

6.(b)
⎡ 3 2 1 4⎤ ⎡0 5 −2 −2 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ R1 −3R2 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢ 1 −1 1 2 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R3 + 2R2
→ ⎢1 −1 1 2 ⎥
⎢ −2 0 2 5 ⎥ ⎢0 −2 4 9 ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
⎡ ⎤
⎡ ⎤ ⎢ ⎥
⎢0 5 −2 −2 ⎥ − 2
⎢0 5 −2 ⎥
−1
2 3
R ⎢ ⎥ R 2 + R3 ⎢ 5⎥
⎯⎯⎯→ ⎢1 −1 1 2 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → 1 0 −1 −
⎢ 2⎥
⎢0 −1 −2 −9 ⎥ ⎢0 1 −2 ⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ 9⎥
⎣ 2 ⎦ −
⎢⎣ 2 ⎥⎦
( )
∴ rank(A) = rank A = 3
∴ The system has unique solution

7. Consider the system of simultaneous equations [ME: GATE-2003]

x + 2y + z = 6
2x + y + 2z = 6
x+y+z=5
This system has
(a) Unique solution (b) Infinite number of solutions
(c) No solution (d) Exactly two solution

7. (c )
⎡1 2 1 6 ⎤ ⎡0 1 0 1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ R1 − R3 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢2 1 2 6 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯R 2 − 2R3
→ ⎢0 −1 0 −4 ⎥
⎢1 1 1 5 ⎥ ⎢1 1 1 5 ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
⎡0 1 0 1 ⎤
R 2 + R1 ⎢ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯
R3 − R1
⎯
→ ⎢0 0 0 −3 ⎥
⎢1 0 1 4 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
∴ rank(A) = 2 ≠ 3 = rank A .( )

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∴ The system is inconsistent and has no solution.

8. Multiplication of matrices E and F is G. Matrices E and G are [ME: GATE-2006]

⎡cos θ -sinθ 0 ⎤ ⎡1 0 0⎤
E = ⎢sinθ cosθ 0 ⎥ and G= ⎢⎢0
⎢ ⎥ 1 0 ⎥⎥ . What is the matrix F?
⎢⎣ 0 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 0 1 ⎥⎦
⎡cos θ -sinθ 0 ⎤ ⎡ cos θ cosθ 0 ⎤ ⎡ cos θ sinθ 0 ⎤ ⎡sin θ -cosθ 0 ⎤
(a) ⎢sinθ cosθ 0 ⎥ (b) ⎢⎢-cosθ
⎢ ⎥ sinθ 0 ⎥ (c) ⎢-sinθ cosθ 0 ⎥ (d) ⎢⎢cosθ sinθ 0 ⎥⎥
⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ 0 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 0 1 ⎥⎦

8.(c)
Given EF = G = I3
⇒ F = E−1G = E−1I3 = E−1

9. For what value of a, if any, will the following system of equations in x, y and z have a
solution? [ME: GATE-2008]
2x + 3y = 4
x+y+z = 4
x + 2y - z = a
(a) Any real number (b) 0
(c) 1 (d) There is no such value

9. (b)
⎡2 3 0 4 ⎤ ⎡0 1 −2 −4 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ R1 −2R2 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢1 1 1 4 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R3 − R 2
→ ⎢0 −1 1 4 ⎥
⎢1 2 −1 a ⎥ ⎢0 1 −2 a − 4 ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
⎡0 1 −2 −4 ⎤
R3 − R1 ⎢ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0 1 1 4 ⎥
⎢0 0 0 a ⎥
⎣ ⎦
If a = 0 then rank (A) = rank(A) = 2. Therefore the
system is consistant
∴ The system has sol n .

CE 10 Years GATE Questions

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33. Solution for the system defined by the set of equations 4y + 3z = 8; 2x – z = 2 and 3x + 2y =
5 is [CE: GATE – 2006]
4 1
(a) x = 0; y = 1; z = (b) x = 0; y = ; z = 2
3 2
1
(c) x = 1; y = ; z = 2 (d) non-existent
2

33. Ans.(d)
⎡0 4 3 ⎤
⎢ ⎥
Consider the matrix A = ⎢2 0 −1⎥ , Now det( A ) = 0
⎢⎣3 2 0 ⎥⎦
So, byCramer ′s Rule, the system has no solution.

10. Consider a non-homogeneous system of linear equations representing mathematically an

over-determined system. Such a system will be [CE: GATE – 2005]
(a) consistent having a unique solution
(b) consistent having many solutions
(c) inconsistent having a unique solution
(d) Inconsistent having no solution
10. Ans.(b)
In an over determined system having more equations than variables, it is necessary to have
consistent having many solutions .

11. For what values of α and β the following simultaneous equations have an infinite number
of solutions? [CE: GATE – 2007]
x + y + z = 5; x + 3y + 3z = 9; x + 2y + αz = β
(a) 2, 7 (b) 3, 8 (c) 8, 3 (d) 7, 2

11.(d)
⎡1 1 1 5 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 5⎤ 1
⎡1 1 1 5 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ R3 − R1 ⎢ ⎥ R2 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢1 3 3 9 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯ R 2 − R1
⎯
→ ⎢0 2 2 4 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯ 2
→ ⎢0 1 1 2 ⎥
⎢1 2 α β ⎥ ⎢ 0 1 α − 1 −5 ⎥ ⎢0 1 α − 1 β − 5 ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
⎡1 0 0 3 ⎤
R3 − R 2 ⎢ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯⎯
R1 − R2
→ ⎢0 1 1 2 ⎥
⎢0 0 α − 2 β − 7 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
For infinite solution of the system
α − 2 = 0 and β − 7 = 0
⇒ α = 2 and β − 7.

Page 13 of 192
 S K Mondal's

12. The following system of equations [CE: GATE – 2008]

x+y+z =3
x + 2y + 3z = 4
x + 4y + kz = 6
Will NOT have a unique solution for k equal to
(a) 0 (b) 5
(c) 6 (d) 7
12. (d)
⎡1 1 1 3 ⎤ ⎡1 1 1 3⎤ ⎡1 1 1 3⎤
⎢ ⎥ R3 − R1 ⎢ ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R3 −3R2 ⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢1 2 3 4 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯R 2 − R1
⎯
→ ⎢0 1 2 1⎥ → ⎢0 1 2 1⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎣⎢0 3 k − 1 3 ⎦⎥ ⎢⎣0 0 k − 7 0 ⎥⎦
⎣1 4 k 6 ⎦
For not unique solution k − 7 − 0
⇒ k = 7.

EE All GATE Questions

14. For the set of equations [EE: GATE-2010]
x1 + 2 x + x3 + 4 x4 = 2
3 x1 + 6 x2 + 3 x3 + 12 x4 = 6
(a) Only the trivial solution x1 = x2 = x3 = x4 = 0 exists.
(b) There are no solutions.
(c) A unique non-trivial solution exists.
(d) Multiple non-trivial solutions exist
14.(d)
Because number of unknowns more them no. of equation.

IE All GATE Questions

15. Let A be a 3 × 3 matrix with rank 2. Then AX = 0 has [IE: GATE-2005]
(a) Only the trivial solution X = 0
(b) One independent solution
(c) Two independent solutions
(d) Three independent solutions

15. (b)
We know , rank (A) + Solution space X(A) = no. of unknowns.
⇒ 2 + X(A) = 3 . [Solution space X(A)= No. of linearly independent vectors]
⇒ X(A) = 1.

Page 14 of 192
 S K Mondal's

17. Let P ≠ 0 be a 3 × 3 real matrix. There exist linearly independent vectors x and y such that
Px = 0 and Py = 0. The dimension of the range space of P is
[IE: GATE-2009]
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3

17. (b)

Page 15 of 192
 S K Mondal's

3. Eigen Values and Eigen

Vectors

EC All GATE Questions

⎡ −4 2⎤
1. Given the matrix ⎢ , the eigenvector is [EC: GATE-2005]
⎣ 4 3 ⎥⎦
⎡3 ⎤ ⎡4 ⎤ ⎡ 2⎤ ⎡ −2⎤
(a) ⎢ ⎥ (b) ⎢3 ⎥ (c) ⎢ ⎥ (d) ⎢ ⎥
⎣2 ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ −1⎦ ⎣ 1⎦

1. (c)
Characteristic equation
A − λI2 = 0
−4 − λ 2
⇒ =0
4 3−λ
⇒ λ = −5,4
Take λ = −5, then AX = λX becomes
⎡ −4 2 ⎤ ⎡x1 ⎤ ⎡ −5x1 ⎤
⎢ 4 3⎥ ⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣x 2 ⎦ ⎣ −5x 2 ⎦
⎡ −4x1 + 2x 2 ⎤ = ⎡ −5x1 ⎤
⇒⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎣4x1 + 3x 2 ⎦ = ⎣ −5x 2 ⎦
−4x1 + 2x 2 = −5x1 ⎫
∴ ⎬ ⇒ x1 = −2x 2
−4x1 + 3x 2 = −5x 2 ⎭
∴ if x 2 = −1 then x1 = 2
⎡2 ⎤
∴ ⎢ ⎥ is eigen vector corrosponding to λ = −5.
⎣ −1⎦

2. The eigen values and the corresponding eigen vectors of a 2 × 2 matrix are given by
[EC: GATE-2006]
Eigenvalue Eigenvector
⎡1⎤
λ1 = 8 v1 = ⎢ ⎥
⎣1⎦
⎡ 1⎤
λ2 = 4 v2 = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1⎦
The matrix is

Page 16 of 192
 S K Mondal's

⎡6 2 ⎤ ⎡4 6 ⎤
(a) ⎢ ⎥ (b) ⎢ ⎥
⎣2 6 ⎦ ⎣6 4 ⎦
⎡2 4 ⎤ ⎡4 8 ⎤
(c) ⎢ ⎥ (d) ⎢ ⎥
⎣4 2 ⎦ ⎣8 4 ⎦

2. (a)
We know, sum of eigen values = trace (A). = Sum of diagonal element of A.
Therefore λ 1 + λ 2 = 8 + 4 = 12
Option (a)gives , trace(A) = 6 + 6 = 12.

⎡4 2 ⎤ ⎡101⎤
3. For the matrix ⎢ ⎥ , the eigen value corresponding to the eigenvector ⎢ ⎥ is
⎣2 4 ⎦ ⎣101⎦
[EC: GATE-2006]
(a) 2 (b) 4
(c) 6 (d) 8

3. (c)
⎡4 2 ⎤ ⎡101⎤ ⎡101⎤
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥ =λ⎢ ⎥
⎣ 2 4 ⎦ ⎣101⎦ ⎣101⎦
⎡606 ⎤ ⎡101λ ⎤ ⇒ 101λ = 606
=⎢ ⎥=⎢ ⎥
⎣606 ⎦ ⎣101λ ⎦ ⇒ λ = 6

⎡p p12 ⎤
6. All the four entries of the 2 × 2 matrix P = ⎢ 11 ⎥ are nonzero, and one of its eigen
⎣ p21 p22 ⎦
values is zero. Which of the following statements is true? [EC: GATE-2008]
(a) P11P22 – P12P21 = 1 (b) P11P22 – P12P21 = –1
(c) P11P22 – P12P21 = 0 (d) P11P22 + 12P21 = 0

6.(c) One eigen value is zero

⇒ det P = 0
⇒ P11P22 − P12 P21 = 0

7. The eigen values of the following matrix are [EC: GATE-2009]

⎡ −1 3 5⎤
⎢ −3 −1 6 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ 0 0 3⎥⎦
(a) 3, 3 + 5j, –6 – j (b) –6 + 5j, 3 + j, 3 – j

Page 17 of 192
 S K Mondal's

(c) 3+ j, 3 – j, 5 + j (d) 3, –1 + 3j, –1 – 3j

7. (d)
Let the matrix be A.
We know, Trace (A)=sum of eigen values.

ME 20 Years GATE Questions

⎡1 0 0 ⎤
8. Find the eigen value of the matrix A = ⎢ 2 3 1⎥ for any one of the eigen values, find out
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣0 2 4⎥⎦
the corresponding eigenvector. [ME: GATE-1994]

8.
Same as Q.1

9. The eigen values of the matrix [ME: GATE-1999]

⎡5 3 ⎤
⎢3 -3⎥
⎣ ⎦
(a) 6 (b) 5 (c) -3 (d) -4

9. (a), (d).

10. The three characteristic roots of the following matrix A [ME: GATE-2000]
1 2 3
A= 0 2 3
0 0 2 are
(a) 2,3 (b) 1,2,2 (c) 1,0,0 (d) 0,2,3

10.(b)
A is lower triangular matrix. So eigen values are only the diagonal elements.

Page 18 of 192
 S K Mondal's

⎡ 4 1⎤
11. For the matrix ⎢ ⎥ the eigen value are [ME: GATE-2003]
⎣1 4 ⎦
(a) 3 and -3 (b) –3 and -5 (c) 3 and 5 (d) 5 and 0

11. (c)

12. The sum of the eigen values of the matrix given below is [ME: GATE-2004]
⎡1 2 3 ⎤
⎢1 5 1 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣3 1 1⎥⎦
(a) 5 (b) 7 (c) 9 (d) 18

12.(b)
Sum of eigen values of A= trace (A)

13. For which value of x will the matrix given below become singular?
[ME:GATE-2004]
⎡ 8 x 0⎤
⎢ 4 0 2⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣12 6 0 ⎥⎦
(a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 8 (d) 12

13. (a)
Let the given matrix be A.
A is singular.
⇒ det A = 0
⎡ 8 x 0⎤
⎢ ⎥
⇒ ⎢ 4 0 2⎥ = 0
⎢⎣12 6 0 ⎥⎦
⇒ x = 4.

14. Which one of the following is an eigenvector of the matrix [ME: GATE-2005]

Page 19 of 192
 S K Mondal's

⎡5 0 0 0⎤
⎢0 5 5 0 ⎥⎥
⎢
⎢0 0 2 1⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎣0 0 3 1⎦
⎡ 1 ⎤ ⎡0 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤ ⎡ 1 ⎤
⎢ -2 ⎥ ⎢0 ⎥ ⎢0 ⎥ ⎢ -1 ⎥
(a) ⎢ ⎥ (b) ⎢ ⎥ (c) ⎢ ⎥ (d) ⎢ ⎥
⎢ 0 ⎥ ⎢1 ⎥ ⎢0 ⎥ ⎢ 2 ⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎣ 0 ⎦ ⎣0 ⎦ ⎣ -2 ⎦ ⎣ 1 ⎦

14. (a)
Let the given matrix be A.
Eigen values of A are. 5, 5,
Take λ = 5, then AX = λX gives.
⎡5 0 0 0 ⎤ ⎡ x1 ⎤ ⎡5x1 ⎤
⎢0 ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢ 5 5 0 ⎥⎥ ⎢ x 2 ⎥ ⎢5x 2 ⎥
=
⎢0 0 2 1 ⎥ ⎢ x 3 ⎥ ⎢5x 3 ⎥
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎣0 0 3 1 ⎦ ⎢⎣ x 4 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣5x 4 ⎥⎦
5x1 = 5x1
5x 2 + 5x 3 = 5x 2 ⇒ x 3 = 0
2x 3 + x 4 = 5x 3 ⇒ x 4 = 0 ⎡⎣∴ x 3 = 0
3x 3 + x 4 = 5x 4
Thus the system of four equation has solution in the form ( K1 ,K 2 ,0,0 ) where K1 ,K 2 any real
numbers. If we take K1 = K 2 = −2 than (a) is ture.

⎡3 2 ⎤
15. Eigen values of a matrix S = ⎢ ⎥ are 5 and 1. What are the eigen values of the matrix S
2

⎣ 2 3 ⎦
= SS?
[ME: GATE-2006]
(a) 1 and 25 (b) 6 and 4 (c) 5 and 1 (d) 2 and 10

15. (a)
We know If λ be the eigen value of A
⇒ λ 2 is an eigen value of A 2 .

16. If a square matrix A is real and symmetric, then the eigenvaluesn [ME: GATE-2007]
(a) Are always real (b) Are always real and positive
(c) Are always real and non-negative (d) Occur in complex conjugate pairs

Page 20 of 192
 S K Mondal's

16. (a)

⎡ 2 1⎤
17. The number of linearly independent eigenvectors of ⎢ ⎥ is [ME: GATE-2007]
⎣0 2⎦
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) Infinite

17. (d)
Here λ = 2,2
For λ = 2, AX = λX gives,
⎡2 1 ⎤ ⎡x1 ⎤ ⎡2x1 ⎤
⎢0 2 ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ ⎦ ⎣x 2 ⎦ ⎣2x 2 ⎦
2x + x 2 = 2x1 ⎫
⇒ 1 ⎬ ⇒ x2 = 0
2x 2 = 2x 2 ⎭
⎡k ⎤
∴ ⎢ ⎥ is the form of eigen vector corrosponding to λ =2. where k ∈ R.
⎣0 ⎦

⎡1 2 4 ⎤
18.
⎢ ⎥
The matrix 3 0 6 has one eigenvalue equal to 3. The sum of the other two eigenvalues
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣1 1 p ⎥⎦
is [ME: GATE-2008]
(a) p (b) p-1 (c) p-2 (d) p-3

18.(c) Let the given matrix be A.

we know we know ∑ λi = trace(A).
Here λ1 = 3 and trace(A) = 1 + 0 + P = P + 1
∴ λ2 + λ3 = P + 1 − 3 = P − 2

⎡1 2 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤
19. The eigenvectors of the matrix ⎢ ⎥ are written in the form ⎢ a ⎥ and ⎢ b ⎥ . What is a + b?
⎣0 2⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
[ME: GATE-2008]
(a) 0 (b) ½ (c) 1 (d) 2

⎡1 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤
19.(b) Here λ1 = 1, λ 2 = 2, Given X1 = ⎢ ⎥ and X 2 = ⎢ ⎥
⎣a ⎦ ⎣b⎦
For λ1 = 1, AX1 = λ1 X1 gives

Page 21 of 192
 S K Mondal's

⎡1 2⎤ ⎡1 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥
⎣0 2 ⎦ ⎣a ⎦ ⎣a ⎦
1 + 2a = 1
⇒ ⇒a=0
2a = a
For λ 2 = 2, AX 2 = λX 2 gives
⎡1 2⎤ ⎡1 ⎤ ⎡2 ⎤
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥
⎣0 2⎦ ⎣ b ⎦ ⎣2b ⎦
1 + 2b = 2
⇒ ⇒ b =1 2
2b = 2b
∴a + b = 1
2

⎡3 4⎤
⎢5 5⎥
20. For a matrix [ M ] = ⎢ ⎥ , the transpose of the matrix is equal to the inverse of the
⎢x 3 ⎥
⎢⎣ 5 ⎥⎦
matrix, [M]T = [M]-1. The value of x is given by [ME: GATE-2009]
4 3 3 4
(a) - (b) - (c) (d)
5 5 5 5

20. (a)
T −1
Given ⎡⎣M ⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣M⎤⎦
⇒ M is orthogonal matrix
⇒ MMT = I2
⎡3 4 ⎤ ⎡3 ⎤ ⎡ 3x 12 ⎤
⎢5 x⎥ ⎢ 1 +
5 ⎥ ⎢5 5 25 ⎥
Now, MMT = ⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥=⎢ ⎥
⎢x 3 ⎥ ⎢4 3 ⎥ ⎢ 3x 12 2 9 ⎥
+ x +
⎣⎢ 5 ⎦⎥ ⎣⎢ 5 5 ⎦⎥ ⎣⎢ 5 25 25 ⎦⎥
∴ MMT = I2
⎡ 3x 12 ⎤
⎢ 1 +
5 25 ⎥ 12 5 4
⇒⎢ ⎥=x=− × =−
⎢ 3x + 12 9 ⎥ 25 3 5
x2 +
⎢⎣ 5 25 ⎥
25 ⎦

⎡2 1⎤
21. One of the Eigen vectors of the matrix A = ⎢ is [ME: GATE-2010]
⎣1 3⎥⎦

⎧2 ⎫ ⎧2 ⎫ ⎧4 ⎫ ⎧1 ⎫
(a) ⎨ ⎬ (b) ⎨ ⎬ (c) ⎨ ⎬ (d) ⎨ ⎬
⎩−1⎭ ⎩1 ⎭ ⎩1 ⎭ ⎩−1⎭

Page 22 of 192
 S K Mondal's

21. (a)
The eigen vectors of A are given by AX= λ X
So we can check by multiplication.
⎡2 2 ⎤ ⎡2 ⎤ ⎡2 ⎤ ⎡2 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥ =1⎢ ⎥
⎣1 3 ⎦ ⎣ −1⎦ ⎣ −1⎦ ⎣ −1⎦
⎡2 ⎤
⇒ ⎢ ⎥ is an eigen vactor of A. corrosponding to λ = 1
⎣ −1⎦

CE 10 Years GATE Questions

⎡ 4 −2 ⎤
22. The eigen values of the matrix ⎢ ⎥ [CE: GATE – 2004]
⎣ −2 1⎦
(a) are 1 and 4 (b) are –1 and 2
(c) are 0 and 5 (d) cannot be determined

22. (c)

23. Consider the system of equations A (n × n) x (n × t) = λ(n × l ) where, λ is a scalar. Let ( λ i , x i ) be an eigen-pair
of an eigen value and its corresponding eigen vector for real matrix A. Let l be a (n × n) unit matrix.
Which one of the following statement is NOT correct?
(a) For a homogeneous n × n system of linear equations, (A – λΙ) x = 0 having a nontrivial solution, the
rank of (A – λΙ) is less than n. [CE: GATE – 2005]
m m
(b) For matrix A , m being a positive integer, ( λ i , x i ) will be the eigen-pair for all i.
m

(c) If AT = A–1, then |λ i | = 1 for all i.

(d) If AT = A, hen λ i is real for all i.

23. (b)
If λ be the eigen value of A. then λ m be the eigen value of A m .X m is no the eigen
vector of A m

⎡ 2 −2 3 ⎤
24. For a given matrix A = ⎢⎢ −2 −1 6 ⎥⎥ , one of the eigenvalues is 3. [CE: GATE – 2006]
⎢⎣ 1 2 0 ⎥⎦
The other two eigenvalues are
(a) 2, –5 (b) 3, –5
(c) 2, 5 (d) 3, 5

24(b).

Page 23 of 192
 S K Mondal's

we know λ1 + λ 2 + λ 3 = trace(A).
⇒ 3 + λ2 + λ3 = 2 − 1 + 0 = 1
⇒ λ 2 + λ 3 = −2
Only choice (b) is possible.

⎡1 1 3 ⎤
25. The minimum and the maximum eigen values of the matrix ⎢⎢1 5 1 ⎥⎥ are –2 and 6, respectively. What
⎢⎣3 1 1 ⎥⎦
is the other eigen value? [CE: GATE – 2007]
(a) 5 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) –1

25. (b)
We know λ1 + λ 2 + λ 3 = trace(A)
by the condition, − 2 + 6 + λ3 = 7
⇒ λ3 = 3

⎡4 5⎤
26. The Eigen values of the matrix [P] = ⎢ ⎥ are [CE: GATE – 2008]
⎣ 2 −5 ⎦
(a) – 7 and 8 (b) –6 and 5
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2

26. (b).

EE All GATE Questions

29. The state variable description of a linear autonomous system is, X= AX,
⎡0 2 ⎤
Where X is the two dimensional state vector and A is the system matrix given by A = ⎢ ⎥
⎣2 0 ⎦
The roots of the characteristic equation are [EE: GATE-2004]
(a) -2 and +2 (b)-j2 and +j2
(c)-2 and -2 (d) +2 and +2

29. (a)

Page 24 of 192
 S K Mondal's

30. In the matrix equation Px = q which of the following is a necessary condition for the
existence of at least one solution for the unknown vector x: [EE: GATE-2005]
(a) Augmented matrix [Pq] must have the same rank as matrix P
(b) Vector q must have only non-zero elements
(c) Matrix P must be singular
(d) Matrix P must be square

30. (a).

⎡3 −2 2⎤
31. For the matrix P= ⎢⎢0 −2 1⎥⎥ , s one of the eigen values is equal to -2. Which of the following
⎢⎣0 0 1⎥⎦
is an eigen vector?
⎡3⎤ ⎡ −3 ⎤
⎢
(a) ⎢ −2⎥ ⎥ (b) ⎢⎢ 2 ⎥⎥
⎢⎣ 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ −1⎥⎦
⎡1⎤ ⎡2⎤
⎢
(c) ⎢ −2⎥ ⎥ (d) ⎢⎢5 ⎥⎥
⎢⎣ 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 ⎥⎦

31.(d).
AX = −2X
⎡3 −2 2 ⎤ ⎡x1 ⎤ ⎡ −2x1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥
⇒ ⎢0 −2 1 ⎥ ⎢x 2 ⎥ ⎢ −2x 2 ⎥
⎢⎣0 0 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣x 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ −2x 3 ⎥⎦
3x1 − 2x 2 + 2x 3 = −2x1 −(i)
⇒ − 2x 2 + x 3 = −2x 2 −(ii)
x 3 = −2x 3 − (iii)
From (ii)and (iii) we get
x 2 = 0 and x 3 = 0
From (i)5x1 = 2x 2 − 2x 3 −(iv)
only choice (d) satisfies equation (iv).

⎡ 1 0 −1⎤
32. If R = ⎢⎢ 2 1 −1⎥⎥ , then top row of R-1 is [EE: GATE-2005]
⎢⎣ 2 3 2 ⎥⎦
(a) [5 6 4] (b) [5 − 3 1]
(c) [ 2 0 -1] (d) [ 2 − 1 1/ 2]

32(b).

Page 25 of 192
 S K Mondal's

1
R −1 = adj R
det R
Now, det R = 1
t
⎡ 5 −6 4⎤ ⎡5 −3 1⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
adj R = ⎢ −3 4 −3⎥ = ⎢ −6 4 −1⎥
⎢⎣ 1 −1 1 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 4 −3 1 ⎥⎦
∴ top row of R −1 = ⎡⎣5 −3 1⎤⎦. as det R = 1.

35. x=[x1x2…..xn]T is an n-tuple nonzero vector. The n×n matrix V=xxT [EE: GATE-2007]
(a) has rank zero (b) has rank l
(c) is orthogonal (d) has rank n

35 (b).
As every minor of order 2 is zero.

Statement for Linked Answer Questions 37 & 38

Cayley - Hamiltion Theorem states that square matrix satisfies its own characteristic
equation, Consider a matrix
⎡ −3 2 ⎤
A=⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1 0 ⎦
37. A satisfies the relation [EE: GATE-2007]
(a) A +3I + 2A -2 =0 (b) A2+2A+2I=0
(c) (A+I)(A+2I)=0 (d) exp(A)=0

37. (c)
Characteristic equation of A is
A − λI2 = 0
⇒ λ 2 + 3λ + 2 = 0
⇒ ( λ + 3)( λ + 2) = 0
By Cayley theorem ( A + 3I2 )( A + 2I2 ) = 0

38. A9 equals [EE: GATE-2007]

(a) 511 A +510I (b) 309A +104I
(c) 154A +155I (d) exp (9A)

Page 26 of 192
 S K Mondal's

38.(a)
From Q.37. we get A 2 + 3A + 2I = 0
⇒ A 2 = − ( 3A + 2I ) . −(i)
∴ A 4 = A 2 .A 2 = (3A − 2I).(3A − 2I)
= 9A 2 + 12A + 4I
= −15A − 14I
Similarly, A = A 4 .A 4 = −225A − 254I(by calculatoin)
8

and A 9 = A.A 8 = 511A + 510I

39. The characteristic equation of a (3×3) matrix P is defined as

α (λ ) = λI − P = λ 3 + λ 2 + 2λ + 1 = 0
If I denote identity matrix, then the inverse of matrix P will be [EE: GATE-2008]
(a) (P2+P+2I) (b) (P2+P+I)
(c) – (P +P+I)
2 (c) – (P2+P+2I)

39. (d)
Given ch. equn of A is
λ3 + λ 2 + 2λ + 1 = 0
⇒ P3 + P2 + 2P + I = 0 (By Cayley theorem).
⇒ P(P2 + P + 2I) = −I
(
⇒ P −1 = − P2 + P + 2I . )
40. If the rank of a (5×6) matrix Q is 4, then which one of the following statements is correct?
[EE: GATE-2008]
(a) Q will have four linearly independent rows and four linearly independent columns
(b) Q will have four lineally independent rows and five lineally independent columns
(c) QQT will be invertible
(d) QTQ will be invertible

40. (a).
Rank of a matrix is equal to the No. of linearly independent row or no. of
linearly independent column vector.

Page 27 of 192
 S K Mondal's

G
42. Let P be a 2×2 real orthogonal matrix and x is a real vector [x1, x2]T with length
G 1
x = ( x 12 + x 22 ) 2 .Then which one of the following statements is correct?
[EE: GATE-2008]
G G G G
(a) Px ≤ x where at least one vector statisfies Px < x
G G G
(b) Px = x for all vector x
G G G G
(c) Px ≥ x where at least one vector satisfies Px > x
G G
(d) No relationship can be established between x and Px

42. (b)
⎛ cos θ − sin θ ⎞
Let P = ⎜ ⎟
⎝ sin θ cos θ ⎠
∴ PP' = I
⎛ cos θ − sin θ ⎞ ⎛ x1 ⎞ ⎡ x1 cos θ − x 2 sin θ ⎤
Now, PX = ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = ⎢ ⎥
⎝ sin θ cos θ ⎠ ⎝ x 2 ⎠ ⎣ x1 sin θ + x 2 cos θ ⎦
( x1 cos θ − x 2 sin θ ) + ( x1 sin θ + x 2 cos θ )
2 2
∴ PX =

∴ PX = x12 + x 22

∴ PX = X for all vector x.

43. The trace and determinate of a 2 × 2 matrix are known to be – 2 and – 35 respectively. Its
eigenvalues are [EE: GATE-2009]
(a) -30 and – 5 (b) – 35 and – 1
(c) – 7 and 5 (d) 17.5 and - 2

43. (c)
Given λ1 + λ 2 = −2 −(i)
λ1λ 2 = −35
∴ ( λ1 − λ 2 ) = ( λ1 + λ 2 ) − 4λ1λ 2 = 4 + 140 = 144
2 2

⇒ λ1 − λ 2 = ±12
take λ1 − λ 2 = −12 −(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii) we get
λ1 = −7 and λ 2 = 5

⎛1 1 0 ⎞
44. An eigenvector of P = ⎜⎜ 0 2 2 ⎟⎟ is
⎜0 0 3 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

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(a) [-1 1 1] T (b) [1 2 1]T (c) [1 -1 2]T (d) [2 1 -1]T

44.(b)
Eigen values of P are 1,2,3
Take λ =3
AX = λX
⎡1 1 0 ⎤ ⎡ x1 ⎤ ⎡3x1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⇒ ⎢⎢0 2 2 ⎥⎥ ⎢ x 2 ⎥ = ⎢3x 2 ⎥
⎢⎣0 0 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ x 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣3x 3 ⎥⎦
⇒ x1 + x 2 = 3x1
2x1 + 2x 3 = 3x 2
3x 3 = 3x 3 ⇒ x 3 = 1
∴ x 2 = 2 and x1 = 1
⎡1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥
∴ For λ = 3, X = ⎢2⎥
⎢⎣1 ⎥⎦

IE All GATE Questions

16. Identify which one of the following is an eigenvector of the matrix

⎡1 0⎤
A= ⎢ ⎥ [IE: GATE-2005]
⎣ −1 − 2 ⎦
(a) [–1 1] T (b) [3 –1] T
(c) [1 –1] T (d) [–2 1] T

16. (b)
Eigen Value (λ ) are 1, − 2.
⎡x ⎤
Take λ = 1and if ⎢ ⎥ be the eigen veefor of A. Corresponding
⎣y⎦
To λ then.

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⎡ 1 0 ⎤ ⎡x ⎤ ⎡x ⎤
⎢ ⎥=⎢ ⎥=⎢ ⎥
⎣ −1 −2 ⎦ ⎣ y ⎦ ⎣ y ⎦
⎡ x ⎤ ⎡x ⎤
⇒⎢ ⎥=⎢ ⎥
⎣ −x − 2y ⎦ ⎣ y ⎦
⇒ −x = 3y
when y = −1 then x = 3
⎡3 ⎤
∴ ⎢ ⎥ be the eigen vector corrosponding to λ = 1
⎣ −1⎦

47. Let A be an n × n real matrix such that A2 = I and y = be an n – dimensional vector.

Then the linear system of equations Ax = y has [IE: GATE-2007]
(a) No solution
(b) a unique solution
(c) More than one but finitely many independent solutions
(d) Infinitely many independent solutions

47. (b)
A2 = I
⇒ AA = I
⇒ det(AA) = 1
⇒ det A.det A = 1
⇒ det A = ± 1 ≠ 0
By Cramer’s rule AX = y has unique solution.

48. Let A = [a ij ], 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n, with n ≥ 3 and a ij = i.j. Then the rank of A is

[IE: GATE-2007]
(a) 0 (b) 1
(c) n – 1 (d) n

48.(b)
⎡1 2 3 ⎤
⎢ ⎥
A = ⎢2 4 6 ⎥ , by the given condition
⎢⎣3 6 9 ⎥⎦
⎡1 2 3 ⎤
R 2 − 2R1 ⎢ ⎥
Now,A ⎯⎯⎯⎯
R3 −3R1
→ ⎢0 0 0 ⎥
⎢⎣0 0 0 ⎥⎦
∴ Rank (A) = 1

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51. A real n × n matrix A = {a ij } is defined as follows:

a ij = i = 0, if
i = j, otherwise
The summation of all n eigen values of A is [IE: GATE-2010]

n(n + 1) n(n − 1)
(a) (b)
2 2
n(n + 1) (2 n + 1)
(c) (d) n2
6

51.(a) It’s a diagonal marix diagonal contain’s n elements 1,2,----,n.

(n + 1)
∴1 + 2 + ...... + n = n
2
As diagonal elements are eigen valves.
n(n + 1)
∴ ∑ λi =
2

CS All GATE Questions

Q40. Consider the matrix as given below.

⎡1 2 3⎤
⎢0 4 7 ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ 0 0 3⎥⎦
What one sof the following options provides the CORRECT values of the eigenvalues of the
matrix?
(a) 1, 4, 3 (b) 3, 7, 3 (c) 7, 3, 2 (d) 1, 2, 3 [CS-2011]

Ans. (a)
Exp. it’s an upper triangular matrix.

52. F is an n × n real matrix. b is an n × 1 real vector. Suppose there are two n × 1 vectors, u
and v such that u ≠ v, and Fu = b, Fv = b.
Which one of the following statements is false? [CS: GATE-2006]
(a) Determinant of F is zero
(b) There are an infinite number of solutions to Fx = b

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(c) There is an x ≠ 0 such that Fx = 0

(d) F must have two identical rows

52(d).
If F is non singular, then it has a unique inverse.
Now, u = F–1 b and v = F–1 b
Since F–1 is unique u = v but it is given that u v. This is a contradiction. So F must be
singular. This means that
(a) Determinate of F is zero is true. Also
(b) There are infinite number of solution to Fx = b is true since |F| = 0.
Given that Fu = b and Fv = b
(c) There is an X ≠ 0 such that F X = 0 is also true, since X has infinite number of solutions,
including the X = 0 solution.
(d) F must have 2 identical rows is false, since a determinant may become zero, even if two
identical columns are present. It is not necessary that 2 identical rows must be present for |F| to
become zero

53. Consider the set of (column) vectors defined ty X = {x ∈ R3| x1 + x 2 + x 3 = 0, where xT =

[x1 , x 2 , x 3 ]T }. which of the following is TRUE? [CS: GATE-2007]
(a) {[1, –1, 0]T, [1, 0, –1]T} is a basis for the subspace X.
(b) {[1, –1, 0]T, [1, 0, –1]T} is linearly independent set, but it does not span X and therefore is
not a basis of X
(c) X is not a subspace for R3
(d) None of the above

53.(b)

54. The following system of equations [CS: GATE-2008]

x1 + x 2 + 2x 3 = 1
x1 + 2x 3 + 3x 3 = 2
x1 + 4x 2 + ax 3 = 4
has a unique solution. The only possible value(s) for a is/are
(a) 0 (b) either 0 or 1
(c) one of 0, 1 or –1 (d) any real number other than 5
54. (d)
⎡1 1 2 ⎤ 1 ⎤ ⎡1 1 2 ⎤1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎥ R2 − R1 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
A = ⎢1 2 3 ⎥ 2⎥ ⎯⎯⎯ R3 − R1
⎯
→ ⎢0 1 1 ⎥1 ⎥
⎢⎣1 4 a ⎥⎦ 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 3 a − 2⎥⎦ 3⎥⎦

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 S K Mondal's

⎡1 1 2 1⎤
R3 −3R2⎢ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0 1 1 1⎥
⎢⎣0 0 a − 5 0 ⎥⎦
System has unique Sol n if rank (A) = rank (A) = 3 . It is possible if a ≠ 5.

55. How many of the following matrics have an eigenvalue 1? [CS: GATE-2008]

⎡1 0 ⎤ ⎡0 1 ⎤ ⎡1 −1⎤ ⎡ −1 0⎤
⋅ ⋅ and ⎢
⎢0
⎣ 0 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 0 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣1 1⎦⎥
⎣1 −1⎥⎦
(a) One (b) two
(c) Three (d) four

55. (a)
⎡1 −1⎤
Eigen valves of ⎢ ⎥ are 1 + i,1 − i
1 ⎣ 1⎦
Rest given matrix are triangular matrix. so diagonal elements are the eigen values.
⎡1 0 ⎤
∴⎢ ⎥ has one eigen value 1.
⎣0 0 ⎦

56. Consider the following matrix. [CS: GATE-2010]

⎡2 3 ⎤
A= ⎢ ⎥
⎣x y ⎦
If the eigen values of A are 4 and 8, then
(a) x = 4, y = 10 (b) x = 5, y = 8
(c) x = –3, y = 9 (d) x = –4, y = 10

56.(d)
We know,
λ1 + λ 2 = 2 + y and λ1λ 2 = det A = 2y − 3x
⇒ 2 + y = 8 + 4 = 12 ⇒ 2y − 3x = 8.4 = 32
2.10 − 32
⇒ y = 10 ⇒x= = −4
3

57. Consider the following system of linear equations [CS: GATE-2003]

⎡ 2 1 −4 ⎤ ⎡ x ⎤ ⎡α ⎤
⎢4 3 −12 ⎥ ⎢ y ⎥ = ⎢ 5 ⎥
⎢ ⎥⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣1 2 −8 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ z ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 7 ⎥⎦
Notice that the second and the third columns of the coefficient matrix are linearly dependent. For how
many values of α, does this system of equations have infinitely many solutions?
(a) 0 (b) 1
(c) 2 (d) infinitely many

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 S K Mondal's

57. (b)
⎡ ⎤ ⎤
⎡2 1 −4 ⎤ α ⎤ ⎢2 1 −4 ⎥ α ⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎥ R2 −2R1 ⎢
A = ⎢4 3 −12⎥ 5 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ 1 → 0 1 −4 ⎥ 5 − 2α ⎥
R3 − R1 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
⎢⎣1 2 −8 ⎥⎦ 14 ⎦⎥ 2
⎢⎣0 3 2 −6 ⎥⎦ 7 − α 2 ⎦⎥
⎡2 1 −4 ⎤ α ⎤ ⎡2 1 −4 ⎤ α ⎤
2R3 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥ R3 −3R2 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0 1 −4 ⎥ 5 − 2α ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0 1 −4 ⎥ 5 − 2α ⎥
⎢⎣0 3 −12 ⎥⎦ 14 − α ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣0 0 0 ⎥⎦ −1 + 5α ⎥⎦
The system has infinitely many solution
if − 1 + 5α = 0 ⇒ α = 1 .
5
∴ for only one value of α.

58. The number of different n × n symmetric matrices with each element being either 0 or 1 is:
(Note : power (2, x) is same as 2x) [CS: GATE-2004]
(a) Power (2, n) (b) power (2, n )
2

(c) Power (2, (n2 + n)/2 (d) power (2, (n2 – n)/2)

58. Ans.(c)
In a symmetric matrix, the lower triangle must be the minor image of upper triangle using
the diagonal as mirror. Diagonal elements may be anything. Therefore, when we are
counting symmetric matrices we count how many ways are there to fill the upper triangle
and diagonal elements. Since the first row has n elements, second (n – 1) elements, third
row (n – 2) elements and so on upto last row, one element.
Total number of elements in diagonal + upper triangle
= n + (n – 1) + (n – 2) + … + 1
n(n + 1)
=
2
Now, each one of these elements can be either 0 or 1. So that number of ways we can fill
these elements is
n(n + 1)
⎛ (n 2 + n) ⎞
2 2 = power ⎜ 2, ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛ (n 2 + n) ⎞
Since there is no choice for lower triangle elements the answer is power ⎜ 2, ⎟ which
⎝ 2 ⎠
is choice (c).

59. Let A, B, C, D be n × n matrices, each with non-zero determinant, If ABCD = 1, then B–1 is
[CS: GATE-2004]
(a) D–1 C–1 A–1 (b) CDA
(c) ADC (d) does not necessarily exist

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 S K Mondal's

59. (b).
ABCD = 1.
⇒ ABCD D−1C−1 = D−1C−1
⇒ AB = D−1C−1
⇒ A −1 AB = A −1D−1C−1
⇒ B = (CDA)−1
⇒ B−1 = CDA.

60. In an M × N matrix such that all non-zero entries are covered in a rows and b column. Then
the maximum number of non-zero entries, such that no two are on the same row or column,
is [CS: GATE-2004]
(a) ≤ a + b (b) ≤ max (a, b)
(c) ≤ min[M–a, N–b] (d) ≤ min {a, b}

60. (d)

61. How many solutions does the following system of linear equations have
[CS: GATE-2004]
–x + 5y = – 1
x–y=2
x + 3y = 3
(a) Infinitely many (b) two distinct solution
(c) Unique (d) none

61. (c)
⎡ −1 5 ⎤ −1⎤ ⎡ −1 5 ⎤ −1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎥ R2 + R1 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
A = ⎢ 1 −1⎥ 2 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯ R3 + R1
⎯
→ ⎢ 0 4⎥ 1 ⎥
⎢⎣ 1 .3 ⎥⎦ 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 0 8 ⎥⎦ 2⎥⎦
⎡ −1 5 ⎤ −1⎤
R3 − 2R 2 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢ 0 4 ⎥ 1 ⎥ ∴ rank(A) = rank(A) = 2
⎢⎣ 0 0 ⎥⎦ 0 ⎦⎥

63. Consider the following system of equation in three real variables x1 , x 2 and x 3
2x1 − x 2 + 3x 3 = 1
3x1 − 2x 2 + 5x 3 = 2

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 S K Mondal's

−x1 − 4x 2 + x 3 = 3
This system of equations has [CS: GATE-2005]

(a) No solution
(b) A unique solution
(c) More than one but a finite number of solutions
(d) An infinite number of solutions

63. Ans. (b)

⎡ ⎤ ⎤
⎢2 −1 3 ⎥1 ⎥
⎡ 2 −1 3⎤ 1 ⎤ 3 ⎢ ⎥ ⎥
⎢ ⎥ ⎥ R3 − 2 R1 ⎢ −1 1⎥ 1⎥
A = ⎢ 3 −2 5⎥ 2 ⎥ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ → 0
⎢ 2⎥ 2⎥
1
R3 + R1 2
⎢⎣ −1 −4 ⎥
1⎦ 3⎦⎥ 2
⎢ −9 5⎥ 7⎥
⎢0 ⎥ ⎥
⎣ 2 2⎦ 2⎦
⎡2 −1 3 ⎤ 1 ⎤
⎢ ⎥ ⎥
−1 1 ⎥ 1 ⎥
R3 − 9R2
⎯⎯⎯⎯ → ⎢0
⎢ 2 2 ⎥2 ⎥
⎢0
⎣ 0 −2⎥⎦ −1⎥⎦
∴ Rank (A) = Rank (A) = 3

64. What are the eigen values of the following 2 × 2 matrix? [CS: GATE-2005]

⎡ 2 −1⎤
⎢ −4 5 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
(a) –1 and 1 (b) 1 and 6
(c) 2 and 5 (d) 4 and –1

64. (b).

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4. Determinants

Previous Years GATE Questions

EE All GATE Questions

1. The determinant of the matrix [EE: GATE-2002]

⎡ 1 0 0 0⎤
⎢100 1 0 0 ⎥⎥
⎢ is
⎢100 200 1 0⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎣100 200 300 1⎦
(a) 100 (b) 200 (c)1 (d) 300

1.Ans(c)

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