Determining Symmetry of Matrix F: ABA

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the symmetry of the matrix F defined as F = ABA, where A and B are symmetric n x n matrices. It is established that if A and B are symmetric, then F is also symmetric, as demonstrated by the equation (ABA)^T = ABA. The transformation of the expression using the property (AB)^T = B^T A^T confirms the symmetry of F. Thus, F must be symmetric when both A and B are symmetric.

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Homework Statement



Let A and B be symmetric n x n matrices. Determine whether the given matrix must be symmetric or could be nonsymmetric.

F=ABA

Homework Equations



(AB)^T=B^T A^t


The Attempt at a Solution



So if it's symmetric, that means (ABA)^T=ABA. I decided to make A one term and BA another term and distributed it to be (BA)^T (A)^T=A^T B^T A^T=ABA, making it symmetric.
But I'm not sure if I can evaluate it like this.
 
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That looks perfectly ok to me.
 
Dick said:
That looks perfectly ok to me.

Thanks very much!
 

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