(a)The determinant of a 2x2 matrix is given by the formula:
det(M) = ad - bc
where a, b, c, and d are the elements of the matrix. In this case, we have:
det(M) = (2)(6) - (-3)(a) = 12 + 3a = 0
Solving for a we get a = -4
(b) the matrix transformation of a point (x,y) is given by:
(x' y') = M(x y)
(x' y') = (2 -3)(x) + (a 6)(y)
= (2x - 3y) + (ax + 6y)
= (2x - 3y + ay + 6y)
= (2x + (a-3)y + 6y)
so the equation of the line that is the image of the matrix transformation is:
y' = (2x + (a-3)y + 6y)
Now since a = -4
y' = (2x + (-4-3)y + 6y) = 2x - y + 6y = (2x+5y)
So, the equation of the straight line is 2x + 5y = 0, and this is the image of every point on the plane after the matrix transformation.