Using the properties of determinants in prove that:

Taking LHS, 
Applying R1→ R1 – R2, we get



[∵(a2 – b2) = (a – b)(a + b)]
Taking (a – 1) common from the first row, we get

Applying R2→ R2 – R3, we get



Taking (a – 1) common from the second row, we get

Now, expanding along C3, we get
= (a – 1)2 [1{(a + 1) – 2}]
= (a – 1)2 [a + 1 – 2]
= (a – 1)3
= RHS
Hence, LHS = RHS
Hence Proved