Question

Find the value of the following determinant.

\[\begin{vmatrix}5 & - 2 \\ - 3 & 1\end{vmatrix}\]

Answer 1

\[\begin{vmatrix}5 & - 2 \\ - 3 & 1\end{vmatrix} = 5 \times 1 - \left( - 2 \right) \times \left( - 3 \right) = 5 - 6 = - 1\]