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Question #41249

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let A(t)=[111[t−1][t][t+1]23−1]A(t) = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 \\ [t-1] & [t] & [t+1] \\ 2 & 3 & -1 \end{bmatrix}, where [x][x] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to xx. Let C11(t),C12(t),C13(t)C_{11}(t), C_{12}(t), C_{13}(t) be the cofactors of the elements of the first row of A(t)A(t). A point P(t)P(t) in 3D space is defined by the coordinates (C11(t),C12(t),C13(t))(C_{11}(t), C_{12}(t), C_{13}(t)). Consider another matrix B(t)=[C11(t)C12(t)C13(t)2−1314−2]B(t) = \begin{bmatrix} C_{11}(t) & C_{12}(t) & C_{13}(t) \\ 2 & -1 & 3 \\ 1 & 4 & -2 \end{bmatrix}. Let M11,M12,M13M_{11}, M_{12}, M_{13} be the minors corresponding to the elements C11(t),C12(t),C13(t)C_{11}(t), C_{12}(t), C_{13}(t) respectively in B(t)B(t). Define a modified determinant function Δ∗(t)\Delta^*(t) based on the octant location of P(t)P(t) as: Δ∗(t)=sgn⁡(C11(t))M11+sgn⁡(C12(t))M12+sgn⁡(C13(t))M13\Delta^*(t) = \operatorname{sgn}(C_{11}(t)) M_{11} + \operatorname{sgn}(C_{12}(t)) M_{12} + \operatorname{sgn}(C_{13}(t)) M_{13} where sgn⁡(⋅)\operatorname{sgn}(\cdot) is the signum function. Find the value of lim⁡t→0+Δ∗(t)−lim⁡t→0−Δ∗(t)\lim_{t \to 0^+} \Delta^*(t) - \lim_{t \to 0^-} \Delta^*(t).

Options

  • A.

    6

  • B.

    0

  • C.

    12

  • D.

    -6

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Bridge

Practice problems that bridge the gap between foundational theory and advanced practical application.

Concepts Behind This Question

Minors and Cofactors Sign Convention|Octant Sign Convention|Greatest Integer Function

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the understanding of limits involving the Greatest Integer Function (GIF) embedded within matrix cofactors, coupled with a signum function that acts as an octant sign convention.

The primary trap is the assumption of continuity at integer boundaries.

Students who directly substitute t=0t=0 will only find the right-hand limit and incorrectly conclude the difference is 0.

Furthermore, the problem requires careful application of the cofactor sign convention (−1)i+j(-1)^{i+j} during the initial expansion; forgetting the negative sign for C12C_{12} will lead to an incorrect octant transition and a flawed final result.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterDeterminants - Class 12
ConceptMinors and Cofactors Sign Convention
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree