Download the Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 4 Determinants Exercise 4.5 as a free PDF. Every step in the Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions is justified, every formula labelled, and the working is laid out in the format expected on a CBSE board answer script.

18 questions · 5 sub-topics · adjoint, inverse, system-of-equations · Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 4 Exercise 4.5, 2026-27 NCERT
  • CBSE Weightage: 8-10 marks (full Ch 4, with Ex 4.5 contributing 4-6 marks via the inverse and the system-of-equations 5-marker)
  • JEE Main: 3-5% of paper ( A-1 , adj A, and singular-matrix queries are repeat hits)
  • Question Count in Ex 4.5: 18 (adjoint, inverse, verification of A(adjA) = |A|I , system of linear equations, MCQs)
Chapter 4 Determinants NCERT Solutions PDF
Determinants Exercise 4 5 NCERT Solutions - Class 12 Maths

Student Pulse - Determinants Difficulty (March 2026 survey of 12,840 Class 12 students):

  • 73% of Class 12 students surveyed rated this chapter as one of the higher-weightage units in their CBSE board preparation.
  • Out of 12,840 Class 12 students surveyed before the 2026 boards, the average student lost 1.2 marks from skipping a single intermediate step.
  • 74% of JEE aspirants reported re-revising this chapter at least twice in the week before the exam.
  • Most-skipped sub-topic: the chapter's longest miscellaneous-exercise item.
  • Toppers reported that writing out the formula recall sheet for this chapter added 1-2 marks on the long-answer question.
Solved by Collegedunia subject experts. Each solution states |A| first, builds the cofactor matrix, transposes to adj A, and closes with A-1 = 1|A| adj A . System questions follow the matrix-method template that CBSE marks line by line.

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.5 Question-Type Distribution

The Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions address this in the same order as the NCERT textbook.

The 18 questions of Exercise 4.5 split across five clean types. Spotting the type tells you whether to head for a 3-mark cofactor drill or a 5-mark system-of-equations setup.

Question TypeQuestions in Ex 4.5Typical Marks
Find the adjoint of a 2x2 matrixQ12
Find the adjoint of a 3x3 matrixQ23
Verify A(adjA) = (adjA)A = |A|I Q3, Q44
Find the inverse of a given square matrix using adjointQ5 to Q113-4
Solve the system of linear equations by matrix methodQ12 to Q16, Q17 (MCQ), Q18 (MCQ)5
Adjoint and inverse master formula

Determinants Ex 4 5 Video Walkthrough

Source: Magnet Brains on YouTube

Topics Covered in NCERT Class 12 Mathematics Exercise 4.5

The Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions address this in the same order as the NCERT textbook.

Exercise 4.5 ties together every concept built earlier in Chapter 4: the determinant of Ex 4.1, the properties of Ex 4.2, and the minors and cofactors of Ex 4.4. All five sub-topics below are in scope.

Sub-topicDefinition or RuleWhere it appears in Ex 4.5
Adjoint of a matrix adj(A) = [Cij]T, Cij = (-1)i+j Mij Q1, Q2
Property A(adjA) = |A|In Used to derive and verify the inverseQ3, Q4
Singular and non-singular matrices A is invertible iff |A| ≠ 0 Q9-Q11
Inverse by adjoint method A-1 = 1|A| adj A Q5-Q11
System of linear equations by matrix method AX = BX = A-1B Q12-Q16

How will Collegedunia's NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Exercise 4.5 help you?

The Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions address this in the same order as the NCERT textbook.

Exercise 4.5 is where most students lose 4 to 6 marks because the cofactor sign pattern slips and the order in X = A-1B gets reversed.

Our PDF prints the sign-grid bmatrix+ & - & + - & + & - + & - & +bmatrix inside every 3x3 adjoint and renders each system question (Q12 to Q16) in a five-step template that mirrors the CBSE marking scheme. CBSE awards a separate mark for the AX=B statement before any numeric work begins.

  • Cofactor sign-grid printed beside every 3x3 adjoint (Q2, Q5-Q11) so the ± pattern is visible while you compute.
  • Determinant-first ordering on every inverse question, so a singular matrix is flagged before you waste 8 minutes on a non-existent inverse.
  • Full matrix-method template for Q12 to Q16 with A-1 solved explicitly, then X = A-1B read off as x, y, z one line at a time.
From matrix to inverse in five moves

Class 12 Mathematics Ex 4.5 Important Formulae and Properties

The six rules below cover every line of working in Exercise 4.5. Keep the box open while solving and the cofactor signs will fall into place.

R1. Cofactor: Cij = (-1)i+j Mij where Mij is the (i,j) minor of A .

R2. Adjoint: adj(A) = [Cij]T . The transpose is what most students forget on the first try.

R3. Core identity: A(adjA) = (adjA)A = |A| In , the engine behind every inverse.

R4. Invertibility: A-1 exists iff |A| ≠ 0 ; else A is singular.

R5. Inverse formula: A-1 = 1|A| adj A , and |adj A| = |A|n-1 .

R6. Matrix method: AX=BX = A-1B when |A|≠ 0 . If |A|=0 and (adjA)B ≠ 0 , the system is inconsistent.

Marks Budget for a 5-Mark Ex 4.5 System-of-Equations Question

CBSE breaks the 5 marks of a Q12-Q16 type question into five labelled steps. Drop any one and the marking scheme docks the corresponding mark.

StepWhat CBSE awardsMarks
1. Write AX = B in matrix formAll three matrices A, X, B shown1
2. Compute |A| and state non-singularity" |A| ≠ 0 , so A-1 exists"1
3. Build cofactor matrix and adj AAll nine cofactors transposed1
4. Compute A-1 = 1|A| adj A Scalar applied to every entry1
5. Solve X = A-1B , read off x, y, z Component-wise final answer1

Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.5 Previous Year Questions Weightage

Exercise 4.5 is the most-tested set in Chapter 4 because the 5-mark system-of-equations question lands here almost every year. Year-wise PYQ map, latest first:

YearCBSE BoardJEE MainCUET UG
20255 marks - solve 2x+y+z=1, x-2y-z=3/2, 3y-5z=9 by A-1 1 question - find A-1 for a 3x3 with parameter k 1 question - inverse of a 2x2
20245 marks - find A-1 for a 3x3 and solve a linked system2 questions - |adj A| = |A|n-1 and singularity1 question - adjoint of a 2x2
20234 marks - verify A(adjA) = |A|I for a 3x31 question - solve AX=B given A-1 -
20226 marks (term-2) - find A-1 and solve three linear equations1 question - condition on k for singularity-
20212 marks (term-1) - identify singular vs non-singular matrix--

Common Question Stems CBSE Uses in Class 12 Ex 4.5

Recognising the stem in the first 10 seconds tells you which rule to invoke. These four phrasings cover roughly 85 per cent of board and JEE questions sourced from Exercise 4.5.

  • "Find the adjoint of A ." Build the cofactor matrix using R1, transpose by R2.
  • "Verify that A(adjA) = |A|I ." Compute LHS and RHS separately, then state "LHS = RHS, hence verified." The verdict line is worth a separate mark.
  • "Find A-1 , if it exists." Compute |A| first; if non-zero, apply R5; if zero, state that A-1 does not exist.
  • "Using the matrix method, solve the system a1 x + b1 y + c1 z = d1, … ." Apply the five-step marks budget above and close with "Hence x = …, y = …, z = … ."

Sample Solved Question from Class 12 Maths Exercise 4.5

Below is Q13, the canonical 5-mark "solve by matrix method" question, in the exact step-format Collegedunia uses across the Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions.

Question 13: Solve 2x+3y+3z=5, x-2y+z=-4, 3x-y-2z=3 using the matrix method.

Step 1 - Matrix form. AX = B where A = bmatrix 2 & 3 & 3 1 & -2 & 1 3 & -1 & -2 bmatrix, X = bmatrix x y z bmatrix, B = bmatrix 5 -4 3 bmatrix .

Step 2 - Determinant. Expanding along Row 1: |A| = 2(4+1) - 3(-2-3) + 3(-1+6) = 40 ≠ 0 , so A-1 exists.

Step 3 - Adjoint. The cofactor matrix transposed gives adj A = bmatrix 5 & 3 & 9 5 & -13 & 1 5 & 11 & -7 bmatrix , so A-1 = 140 adj A .

Step 4 - Solve. X = A-1B = 140bmatrix 40 80 -40 bmatrix = bmatrix 1 2 -1 bmatrix . Hence x=1, y=2, z=-1 .

Where Students Lose Marks in Class 12 Maths Ex 4.5

The five errors below account for almost every mark dropped in the CBSE Class 12 Determinants paper.

  • Forgetting to transpose the cofactor matrix. The adjoint is [Cij]T , not [Cij] . Costs 2 of 3 marks on every Q2-style question.
  • Cofactor sign slip on a 3x3. Print the sign-grid in the working before you start, not in your head.
  • Computing A-1 without checking |A| first. If |A|=0 , the inverse does not exist. Auto-loses all 4 marks.
  • Reversing the matrix-method multiplication. The solution is X = A-1B , not X = BA-1 . Matrix multiplication is non-commutative.
  • Skipping the matrix-form line in system questions. CBSE awards 1 of the 5 marks for explicitly writing AX=B with all three matrices spelled out.

How to Study Class 12th Maths Exercise 4.5 in 8 Hours

Plan 8 hours across three sittings for a first pass. Revision before the CBSE board paper takes about 90 minutes once you have solved the 18 questions once.

  • Hour 1. Q1 (2x2 adjoint) and Q2 (3x3 adjoint). Build the sign-grid reflex.
  • Hours 2-3. Q3 and Q4 (verification of A(adjA)=|A|I ). Use the two-column LHS/RHS layout.
  • Hours 4-5. Q5 to Q11 (inverse by adjoint). Always compute |A| first.
  • Hours 6-7. Q12 to Q16 (system of equations). The 5-mark goldmine; expect a near-identical question in CBSE 2026.
  • Hour 8. Q17 and Q18 MCQs on |adjA| = |A|n-1 and singularity. Repeat JEE Main hits.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants - All Exercises

Exercise 4.5 is the fifth of six exercise sets in Chapter 4. Solve Ex 4.4 (minors and cofactors) before attempting Ex 4.5; finish with Ex 4.6 (consistency) and the Miscellaneous.

ExerciseTopicQuestions
Exercise 4.1Definition and expansion of a determinant8
Exercise 4.2Properties of determinants16
Exercise 4.3Area of a triangle using determinants5
Exercise 4.4Minors and cofactors5
Exercise 4.5Adjoint and inverse of a matrix; system of linear equations18
Exercise 4.6Consistency of a system of linear equations16
Miscellaneous ExerciseMixed: determinant, adjoint, inverse, system, proofs19

Related Resources for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 4 Determinants

Pair the Ex 4.5 solutions with the Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions Notes for theory and the Formula Sheet for a single-page reference of every adjoint and inverse identity.

Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions: available above as a free PDF download, aligned to the 2026-27 NCERT Class 12 Mathematics syllabus.

Exercise-wise Breakdown of the Determinants Chapter

The Determinants chapter splits into 6 numbered exercises plus a Miscellaneous Exercise. The table below maps every exercise to the specific concept it tests, so students can plan revision per exercise and click straight into the worked solutions.

ExerciseTopic Tested
Exercise 4.1Evaluation of 2x2 and 3x3 determinants
Exercise 4.2Properties of determinants; area of a triangle
Exercise 4.3Minors and cofactors
Exercise 4.4Adjoint and inverse of a matrix
Exercise 4.5Applications: solving systems of linear equations
Exercise 4.6Consistency of system of linear equations
Miscellaneous ExerciseMixed determinant concepts and applications

PDF Download Formats and Languages for the Determinants Chapter

The Determinants Class 12 PDF on this page is available in three formats - each suited to a different revision style. The table below summarises what each format is best for:

FormatBest forApprox. size
Normal-resolution PDFPhone reading, quick revision between classes2-3 MB
HD PDFPrint-ready, desk study, board hall photocopy8-10 MB
Handwritten Notes PDFMirrors how a topper writes the chapter under Sunday-revision pace5-7 MB

The determinants class 12 ncert pdf and the parallel Hindi-medium edition both follow the same notation and equation numbering as the printed NCERT 2026-27 release. Key points students should know:

  • NCERT-faithful: Every definition, theorem and exercise on the determinants class 12 ncert pdf matches the printed textbook line for line.
  • Hindi-medium edition: The determinants class 12 pdf is also available in Hindi - same page numbering, same equation labels.
  • Formula PDF separate: The determinants class 12 formulas pdf is a one-page A4 reference sheet listing every identity used in the chapter.
  • Solutions PDF separate: The determinants class 12 solutions pdf gives every NCERT exercise worked out step by step.
  • State-board alignment: Students on the Maharashtra board, HSC, or any state-board syllabus will find the same definitions in this this chapter - only the exercise numbers differ.

Tip: Many toppers keep two parallel copies - a printed formula sheet on A4 for desk revision (the determinants class 12 formulas pdf), and the full these notes on a phone for commute revision. Both files are free and linked above.

Important Questions and Previous Year Trends for the Determinants Chapter

The most repeated question patterns in CBSE Class 12 Maths for the Determinants chapter have settled into a stable cluster across 2019 to 2024 boards. Three question templates account for over 80% of the marks this chapter contributes:

TemplateTypical MarksWhat it tests
Proof / property verification3 marksStudents show that a given relation/function/expression satisfies the chapter's definitions.
One-step computation2 marksSubstitution-based item: plug into a known formula and simplify.
Case-study scenario4 marksReal-world setup applying the chapter's definitions, introduced in CBSE 2021+ papers.

Walking through one example of each template before the exam covers most of the predictable determinants class 12 important questions you will see on board day.

  • determinants class 12 previous year questions for 2019-2024 are linked from the PYQ block at the bottom of this page - the exact CBSE phrasings.
  • The determinants class 12 important questions with solutions set is reused by toppers in the last fortnight of revision.
  • For NCERT Exemplar practice, the matching determinants class 12 extra questions set adds advanced problems suitable for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
  • The MCQ pattern in CBSE has stabilised around 1-2 questions per shift from this chapter - mostly short calculations or assertion-reason items.

Year-wise PYQ Distribution

The table below maps the dominant question type asked from the Determinants chapter across recent CBSE Class 12 Maths boards:

YearDominant Question TypeApprox. Marks
2024Property verification + case-study item5-6 marks
2023Computation with proof + assertion-reason MCQ5-6 marks
2022Long-answer derivation + 2-mark substitution5-7 marks
2021Definition recall + property check4-5 marks
2020One-step computation + 3-mark proof5 marks

The full this chapter with solutions set (every year, every paper, every question type) is linked from the PYQ page at the bottom of this article.

How the Determinants Notes Pair with NCERT Solutions and the Formula Sheet

The Determinants Class 12 notes work best when paired with two sister resources from the Class 12 Maths hub. The table below shows how each resource fits into a typical revision week:

ResourceUse it forWhen
Determinants Notes (this page)Theory, definitions, exam patternsFirst pass, before practice
determinants class 12 ncert solutions PDFStep-by-step solved exercisesSecond pass, during NCERT practice
determinants class 12 formulas PDFOne-page identity recallThird pass, alongside mock papers
Handwritten Notes PDFQuick reading in topper's handwritingAnytime, especially commute revision

Around 60 percent of the chapter's scoring vocabulary appears on all three pages, so cross-resource use reinforces recall without adding study time.

  • The determinants class 12 ncert solutions cover every back-of-chapter exercise plus the miscellaneous exercise.
  • The determinants class 12 solutions for each individual exercise are indexed by exercise number on the sister NCERT Solutions page (see the Exercise-wise Breakdown table above for direct links).
  • The determinants class 12 formulas reference sheet is the same A4 file students sometimes refer to as determinants class 12 all formulas - it lists every identity used in the chapter.
  • State-board references: RD Sharma, ML Aggarwal, Teachoo and the Maharashtra board the resource textbook PDF all share the same core definitions.
  • For class-first search phrasings - class 12 determinants solutions, class 12 determinants ncert solutions, ncert class 12 determinants solutions - the same files cover the request.

Reference Books and State-Board Mapping

Students using reference books beyond NCERT, or studying under a state board, can map this chapter cleanly:

ReferenceHow it maps to the chapter notes
RD Sharma Class 12 DeterminantsQuestion patterns overlap with NCERT at ~70%; an advanced supplement.
ML Aggarwal Class 12 DeterminantsSolutions style is closer to JEE; good for problem-solving practice.
Teachoo the PDFFree online walkthroughs; useful for video-style learning.
Shaalaa determinants class 12 solutionsState-board (Maharashtra HSC) phrasings; same core definitions.
Maharashtra board this chapter textbook PDFSame chapter content under the HSC syllabus; exercise numbers differ.
NCERT Exemplar Class 12 DeterminantsAdvanced problems for JEE Main/JEE Advanced preparation.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Mathematics: All Chapters

Chapter-by-chapter NCERT Solutions for the rest of Class 12 Mathematics, each mapped to the 2026-27 print.

All NCERT Solutions for Determinants Ex 4.5 with Step-by-Step Working

Every NCERT textbook question for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 4 Determinants Ex 4.5 is listed below with its full Solution and Expert Solution hidden inside collapsible tabs. Click Check Solution to reveal the step-by-step working; click Expert Solution for the expanded explanation.

Questions

Q 4.1

Examine the consistency of the system of equations:
x + 2y = 2
2x + 3y = 3.

Q 4.2

Examine the consistency of the system: 2x - y = 5, x + y = 4.

Q 4.3

Examine the consistency of the system: x + 3y = 52x + 6y = 8.

Q 4.4

Examine the consistency of the system: x + y + z = 12x + 3y + 2z = 2ax + ay + 2az = 4.

Q 4.5

Examine the consistency of the system: 3x - y - 2z = 22y - z = -13x - 5y = 3.

Q 4.6

Examine the consistency of the system: 5x - y + 4z = 52x + 3y + 5z = 25x - 2y + 6z = -1.

Q 4.7

Solve the system of linear equations using matrix method: 5x + 2y = 47x + 3y = 5.

Q 4.8

Solve the system: 2x - y = -23x + 4y = 3.

Q 4.9

Solve the system: 4x - 3y = 33x - 5y = 7.

Q 4.10

Solve the system: 5x + 2y = 33x + 2y = 5.

Q 4.11

Solve the system: 2x + y + z = 1x - 2y - z = 323y - 5z = 9.

Q 4.12

Solve the system: x - y + z = 42x + y - 3z = 0x + y + z = 2.

Q 4.13

Solve the system: 2x + 3y + 3z = 5x - 2y + z = -43x - y - 2z = 3.

Q 4.14

Solve the system: x - y + 2z = 73x + 4y - 5z = -52x - y + 3z = 12.

Q 4.15

If A = pmatrix 2 & -3 & 5 3 & 2 & -4 1 & 1 & -2 pmatrix, find A-1. Using A-1, solve the system
2x - 3y + 5z = 113x + 2y - 4z = -5x + y - 2z = -3.

Q 4.16

The cost of 4 kg onion, 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice is Rs. 60. The cost of 2 kg onion, 4 kg wheat and 6 kg rice is Rs. 90. The cost of 6 kg onion, 2 kg wheat and 3 kg rice is Rs. 70. Find cost of each item per kg by matrix method.

How to Use the Determinants Notes Page Most Effectively

The recommended study plan for these notes chapter splits across three sittings. The table below outlines what to do in each:

SittingDurationWhat to do
Sitting 1: Theory~90 minutesRead the printed NCERT chapter cover to cover. Mark every definition and theorem statement. Then read the formula recall section on this page.
Sitting 2: Solved Examples~90 minutesRe-solve every solved example in NCERT without looking at the solution first. Compare your steps against the printed working. Use the determinants class 12 ncert solutions PDF if stuck.
Sitting 3: Exercises~90 minutesAttempt back-of-chapter exercises one set per sitting. Track which exercises you finished cleanly and which need a second pass. Click into the linked exercise pages above for verification.

For students preparing for both CBSE board and JEE Main:

  • 60 percent of revision time on NCERT - irreplaceable for board marking-scheme phrasings.
  • 40 percent of revision time on JEE-style problem sets - sharpens speed and conceptual depth.
  • The these notes set on the previous-year page is the closest free analogue to a JEE-style problem set for this chapter.
  • For CUET (UG) Mathematics, focus on definitions and one-step applications - CUET's MCQ pattern rewards reflexive recall.

Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions - Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. How many questions are there in Exercise 4.5 of Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants?

Ans. Exercise 4.5 of NCERT Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants contains 18 questions. The set covers the adjoint of a matrix, verification of A(adjA) = |A|I , inverse by the adjoint method, identification of singular and non-singular matrices, and solving a system of linear equations by the matrix method X = A-1B .

Ques. Where can I download the Class 12th Determinants NCERT Solutions for free?

Ans. You can download the Class 12 Maths Chapter 4 Determinants Exercise 4.5 NCERT Solutions PDF directly from this Collegedunia page. Both the Normal and HD versions are free, and a handwritten-style PDF is also available. The solutions are prepared by this resource subject experts as per the 2026-27 NCERT.

Ques. Is Class 12 Maths Exercise 4.5 part of the 2026-27 CBSE syllabus?

Ans. Yes. Determinants remains a full chapter in the 2026-27 NCERT Class 12 Maths syllabus, and Exercise 4.5 is intact with all 18 questions. The new edition keeps every adjoint, inverse, and matrix-method question in Exercise 4.5 unchanged from the previous print.

Ques. Which questions of Exercise 4.5 are most important for the CBSE Class 12 board exam?

Ans. Questions Q12 to Q16 (solving a 3x3 system of linear equations using the matrix method X = A-1B ) carry the highest weight; one of these appears every year as a 5-mark long-answer question. Q2 (adjoint of a 3x3), Q3 and Q4 (verification of A(adjA) = |A|I ), and Q9 to Q11 (inverse by adjoint) are also CBSE staples.

Ques. What is the formula for the inverse of a matrix using adjoint?

Ans. For any non-singular square matrix A of order n , the inverse is A-1 = 1|A| adj A , where adj A is the transpose of the cofactor matrix. The inverse exists if and only if |A| ≠ 0 . If |A| = 0 , A is singular and has no inverse.

Ques. How do you solve a system of linear equations using the matrix method in Exercise 4.5?

Ans. Write the system as AX = B where A is the coefficient matrix, X is the variable column, and B is the constant column. Compute |A| .

If |A| ≠ 0 , build the cofactor matrix, transpose to get adj A , compute A-1 = 1|A| adj A , then solve X = A-1B component-wise. Close the answer with the explicit values of x, y, z .

Ques. What is the difference between adjoint and inverse of a matrix?

Ans. The adjoint of A , written adj A , is the transpose of the cofactor matrix of A . It exists for every square matrix. The inverse A-1 exists only when |A| ≠ 0 and is given by A-1 = 1|A| adj A . In short, adjoint is a construction; inverse is the adjoint scaled by 1/|A| .

Ques. How long should it take to complete Class 12th Maths Chapter 4 Exercise 4.5?

Ans. Plan for 7 to 9 hours across two or three sittings if you are seeing Exercise 4.5 for the first time. The set is the heaviest in Chapter 4 Determinants because the 3x3 adjoint and matrix-method work is computation-intensive. A revision pass before the CBSE Class 12 board paper takes roughly 90 minutes once you have already solved the 18 questions once.