Question: What is the determinant of the matrix \\( A = \\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\\\ 3 & 4 \\end{pmatrix} \\)? (2021)
Options:
Correct Answer: -2
Solution:
The determinant of a 2x2 matrix \\( A = \\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\\\ c & d \\end{pmatrix} \\) is given by \\( ad - bc \\). Here, \\( 1*4 - 2*3 = 4 - 6 = -2 \\).