Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2004/ia/paper-3/6d/solution

A real three-by-three matrix represents a proper rotation in the standard orthonormal basis precisely when and , that is, when . For the supplied integer numerator , direct multiplication gives and , verifying both conditions.
The rotation axis is the eigenspace for eigenvalue one. Solving gives and , so
is a unit axis vector; its negative describes the same axis. On its perpendicular plane the rotation matrix has eigenvalues and . The rotation trace formula therefore gives . Since the trace is ,

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