Let A be a square matrix of order 2 such that |A|=2 and the sum of its diagonal elements is -3. If the points (x, y) satisfying A2+xA+yI=O lie on a hyperbola, whose transverse axis is parallel to the x-axis, eccentricity is e and the length of the latus rectum is l, then e4+l4 is equal to .
Answer
BONUS
Solution
For a 2 2 matrix: A2-(tr A)A+|A|I=O A2+3A+2I=O
Subtract from A2+xA+yI=O:
(x-3)A+(y-2)I=O
A is not of the form kI (2k=-3 and k2=2 cannot both hold) x=3, y=2
only one point (3, 2); infinitely many such hyperbolas pass through it
e and l are not fixed, so e4+l4 cannot be found from the given data
Answer: Bonus (full marks to all who attempted)
Note: The official NTA answer key gives 25. Our faculty team finds that the question cannot be answered from the given data, so this question should be dropped (bonus: full marks to everyone who attempted it).