Question

If the matrix A =$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}0& a& -3\\ 2& 0& -1\\ b& 1& 0\end{array}\right]$ is skew symmetric, find the value of 'a' and 'b'.

Answer 1

As A is skew symmetric so, $A=-A^T$ i.e., $a_{ij}=-a_{ji},$ if $A=\left[a_{ij}\right]$

Therefore, $a_{12}=-a_{21}\Rightarrow a=-2$ and $a_{31}=-a_{13}\Rightarrow b=-(-3)=3$