\[ \begin{vmatrix} -2 & 1 & 1 \\ 2 & 1 & k \\ 1 & 3 & -1 \end{vmatrix} = 23 \]

To solve the absolute value equation ∣∣ ∣∣−21121k13−1∣∣ ∣∣ = 23, we need to consider two cases: when the expression inside the absolute value bars is positive and when it is negative. Case 1: When the expression inside the absolute value bars is positive: −21121k13−1 = 23 Simplifying the equation, we get: −21121k13 = 24 Multiplying both sides by -1, we have: 21121k13 = -24 Multiplying both sides by 13, we have: 21121k = -312 Therefore, k = -312/21121 Case 2: When the expression inside the absolute value bars is negative: −(−21121k13−1) = 23 Simplifying the equation, we get: 21121k13−1 = 23 Adding 1 to both sides, we have: 21121k13 = 24 This is the same equation we obtained in Case 1. Therefore, the value of k is the same in both cases: k = -312/21121 Therefore, the answer is 2.