Calculating the Inverse Matrix for a 3x3 Matrix

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the inverse of a 3x3 matrix, specifically using row reduction techniques and matrix calculators. Participants explore various methods for verifying the correctness of the inverse and express differing opinions on the necessity of using calculators for such computations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a matrix and its row-reduced form, claiming to have found the inverse through augmented matrix techniques.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for using Wolfram Alpha (W|A) for matrix calculations.
  • Several participants discuss the practicality of performing matrix arithmetic by hand, with one questioning the need for calculators and providing manual calculations to verify the inverse.
  • Another participant suggests that larger matrices should not be calculated by hand due to the potential for arithmetic errors.
  • A light-hearted comment compares the process to a bingo game, indicating a casual approach to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of opinions regarding the use of calculators for matrix operations, with some advocating for manual calculations while others support the use of computational tools. No consensus is reached on the best approach to calculating the inverse of a 3x3 matrix.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the accuracy of their manual calculations and the potential for errors, particularly with larger matrices. There is also a lack of detailed discussion on the specific row reduction steps taken in the initial post.

karush
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$\tiny{311.2.2.31}$
$A=\left[\begin{array}{rrrrr}
1&0&-2\\-3&1&4\\2&-3&4
\end{array}\right]$
RREF with augmented matrix
$\left[ \begin{array}{ccc|ccc}
1&0&-2&1&0&0 \\&&&\\-3&1&4&0&1&0 \\&&&\\ 2&-3&4&0&0&1\end{array}\right]
\sim
\left[ \begin{array}{ccc|ccc}1&0&0&8&3&1 \\&&&\\0&1&0&10&4&1 \\&&&\\ 0&0&1&\dfrac{7}{2}&\dfrac{3}{2}&\dfrac{1}{2}
\end{array}\right]
\quad \therefore A^{-1}=\left[
\begin{array}{ccc}8 & 3 & 1 \\\\ 10 & 4 & 1 \\\\ \dfrac{7}{2} & \dfrac{3}{2} & \dfrac{1}{2} \end{array} \right]$

ok I left out the row reduction steps
but I tried to use the desmos matrix calculator to check this
but after you put in the matrix didn't see how to run it.
 
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This is why I prefer W|A.

-Dan
 
when all else fails there is W|A
 
Do you really have to use some kind of calculator do the arithmetic for you?

Surely it is not that hard to do
$\begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & -2 \\ -3 & 1 & 4 \\2 & 3 & 4 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}8 & 3 & 1 \\ 10 & 4 6 & 1 \\ \frac{7}{2} & \frac{3}{2} & \frac{1}{2}\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}8- 7 & 3- 3 & 1- 1\\ -24+ 10+ 14 & -9+ 4+ 6 & -3+ 1+ 2 \\ 16- 30+ 14 & 6- 12+ 6 & 2- 3+ 2 \end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}$
and
$\begin{bmatrix}8 & 3 & 1 \\ 10 & 4 6 & 1 \\ \frac{7}{2} & \frac{3}{2} & \frac{1}{2}\end{bmatrix}$$\begin{bmatrix}8 & 3 & 1 \\ 10 & 4 6 & 1 \\ \frac{7}{2} & \frac{3}{2} & \frac{1}{2}\end{bmatrix}$$= \begin{bmatrix}8- 9+ 2 & 3- 3 & -16+ 12+ 4 \\ 10- 12+ 2 & 4- 3 & -20+ 16+ 4 \\ \frac{7}{2}- \frac{9}{2}+ 1 & \frac{3}{2}- \frac{3}{2} & -7+ 6+ 2 \end{bmatrix}=$$ \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}$.

(I'm just too old!)
 
Any operation with matrices larger than 2 by 2 isn't meant to be done by hand, especially if one is prone to arithmetic errors. ;)
 
its kinda like a bingo game
 

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