Determinant
For a 2×2 matrix, ad − bc: a signed area scale factor. Its size is the factor by which areas scale, and it is negative when the plane is flipped over.
Its area is the size of the determinant, which for a 2×2 matrix is ad − bc.
See it in action
Try determinant hands-on in the lesson Matrices as transformations, part of the The maths behind AI course.