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Need help to find my mistake in a simple proof of a matrix algebra proposition. |
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| Sep25-08, 01:20 PM | #1 |
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Need help to find my mistake in a simple proof of a matrix algebra proposition.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Is the following true for matrices? Hypotesis: AB = AC A != 0(zero matrix) Thesis: B=C 3. The attempt at a solution AB = AC AB - AC = 0(zero matrix) AB - AC = A(B-C) // using the following property: A(B+C) = AB + AC iff A is mn matrix and BC are np matrices A(B-C) = 0 <=> B=C because A != 0 QED There is something wrong because there are matrices where AB = AC and B != C. Where is my mistake? |
| Sep25-08, 01:32 PM | #2 |
Recognitions:
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There are matrices where AB=0 and neither A nor B are zero. You can't say A(B-C)=0 implies A=0 or (B-C)=0 like you can with real numbers.
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| Sep25-08, 01:45 PM | #3 |
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ok, thanks
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