A singular matrix has determinant equal to zero.
For matrix A=[312a5]:
det(A) =(3)(5)−(2a)(1)
det(A) =15−2a
Since A is singular:
15−2a=0
2a=15
a=215
For matrix B=[2b35]:
det(B) =(2)(5)−(3)(b)
det(B) =10−3b
Since B is singular:
10−3b=0
3b=10
b=310
a+b=215+310
a+b=2×315×3+3×210×2
a+b=645+620
a+b=665
Therefore, a+b=665.