4x4 lorentz matrix and finding its inverse

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the inverse of a Lorentz matrix \(\Lambda\) using the formula \(\Lambda^{-1}= \frac{1}{| \Lambda|} \textrm{adj}(\Lambda)\). The original matrix is defined with components involving \(\gamma\) and \(\beta\). The user initially derived an incorrect inverse matrix, leading to confusion regarding the correct form provided by their professor. Ultimately, the user realized that \(\gamma^2 (1 - \beta^2) = 1\), confirming the professor's result as accurate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations in special relativity
  • Familiarity with matrix operations, including determinants and adjugates
  • Knowledge of the symbols \(\gamma\) (Lorentz factor) and \(\beta\) (velocity as a fraction of the speed of light)
  • Basic linear algebra concepts, particularly regarding matrix inverses
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  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz factor \(\gamma\) and its implications in physics
  • Learn about matrix adjugates and their role in finding inverses
  • Explore applications of Lorentz transformations in relativistic physics
  • Practice solving problems involving matrix determinants and inverses
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying special relativity, as well as mathematicians and engineers dealing with linear algebra and matrix theory.

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I have been struggling to find an inverse to a Lorentz matrix [itex]\Lambda[/itex] using formula: [itex]\Lambda^{-1}= \frac{1}{| \Lambda| }\textrm{adj}(\Lambda)[/itex] from linear algebra.

[itex] \Lambda =<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> \gamma&0&0&-\beta \gamma \\<br /> 0 & 1 & 0 & 0\\<br /> 0 & 0 & 1 & 0\\<br /> -\beta \gamma & 0 & 0 & \gamma <br /> \end{bmatrix}[/itex]

My professor says that inverse to the matrix above is:

[itex] \Lambda^{-1} =<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> \gamma&0&0&\beta \gamma \\<br /> 0 & 1 & 0 & 0\\<br /> 0 & 0 & 1 & 0\\<br /> \beta \gamma & 0 & 0 & \gamma <br /> \end{bmatrix}[/itex]

I tried to derive inverse matrix metodically by first calculating the determinant of [itex]\Lambda[/itex], then matrix of minors, matrix of cofactors,
adjugate matrix and in the end using the above formula to find the inverse. And i end up with this:

[itex] \Lambda^{-1} = \frac{1}{|\Lambda|} \textrm{adj}(\Lambda) = \frac{1}{\gamma^2 (1 - \beta^2)}<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> \gamma & 0 & 0 &\beta \gamma\\<br /> 0 & \gamma^2(1-\beta^2) & 0 & 0\\<br /> 0 & 0 & \gamma^2(1-\beta^2) & 0\\<br /> \beta \gamma & 0 & 0 & \gamma\\<br /> \end{bmatrix}[/itex]

Well my result is not what my professor says i should get. In my adjugate matrix parts with [itex]\gamma[/itex] and [itex]\beta \gamma[/itex] seem wrong.
Is it possible my professor wrote down wrong inverse matrix?

I have tripple checked all the calculations, but i simply can't get the right result. Here is my whole derivation (please click the lower "DOWNLOAD" button).
Could anyone point me to the right direcction?
I am kind of lost here, but i am sure i have done a lot of work and am near the solution.
 
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Erm, what do you think [itex]\gamma^2 (1-\beta^2)[/itex] is?
 
Muphrid said:
Erm, what do you think [itex]\gamma^2 (1-\beta^2)[/itex] is?

OMG it is 1! I AM SUCH A NOOB :)
 

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