If A is 2 × 2 matrix such that A2 = O, then tr (A) is
1
0
-1
none of these
Let A=a bc d, then A2=a2+bc ab+bdac+cd bc+d2
Now,A2=O
⇒a2+bc=0, (a+d)b=0(a+d)c=0, bc+d2=0
Suppose a + d≠ 0, then b = 0, c = 0
∴ a2=0,d2=0⇒a=0,d=0
Contradiction.
Thus, a + d = 0 we get tr(A) = 0