Can AB^2009 be calculated?Matrix Multiplication and Exponentiation Limitations

  • Thread starter Thread starter MattRSK
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Matrix
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the expression AB2009 where A and B are square matrices of size n x n. It is established that while the multiplication of two n x n matrices is valid, the exponentiation of the product AB is ambiguous without clarification on whether it refers to (AB)2009 or A(B2009). The key takeaway is that the product of two square matrices remains a square matrix, allowing for further multiplication, but exponentiation requires precise notation to avoid confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix multiplication
  • Familiarity with matrix exponentiation concepts
  • Knowledge of square matrices and their properties
  • Basic linear algebra principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of matrix multiplication and its associative nature
  • Learn about matrix exponentiation and its notation
  • Explore examples of matrix powers and their implications in linear transformations
  • Investigate the implications of matrix dimensions in multiplication and exponentiation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying linear algebra, mathematicians interested in matrix theory, and educators teaching matrix operations and properties.

MattRSK
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Matrix A and B are both square matrices of the same size.

Is it possible to compute,

AB^2009

If not, why not?

The Attempt at a Solution



Just had this question in an exam, the exam did not allow calculators and I could not answer this question, I gather it is not possible but I cannot explain why.

Because A and B are square matrices it is possible to multiply them together but I am unsure about the exponent. Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Suppose that A and B are both n x n matrices. Then what is the size of AB? Then what about ABB = AB^2? And ABBB = AB^3? ...
 
Well if A and B are both n x n then they will always be n x n matrices. So does that mean that it is possible?
 
By the way, is that AB2009[/b] or (AB)2009?

It doesn' really matter. The only important point is that any two n by n matrices can be multiplied and give an n by n matrix as a result- which can be multiplied again by any other n by n matrix.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K